LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Fenton
History Center

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge certain institutions that improve the quality
of life for individuals and communities within this great Empire State
through historical and educational resources; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Fenton History Center in Jamestown,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The Fenton History Center began its own history in early 1963
as a grassroots effort to save the Fenton Mansion; in May of 1964, the
Fenton History Center was officially chartered to collect and teach
others about the rich history of the region; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the Fenton History Center is to provide educa-
tional and cultural opportunities for the residents of Chautauqua County
and its visitors through the collection, preservation and exhibition of
artifacts and archival materials pertaining to Jamestown and Chautauqua
County, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Fenton History Center is located in the historic Fenton
Mansion, the home of Reuben E. Fenton who served as New York's Governor
from 1865 to 1869; Governor Fenton also served in the United States
House of Representatives and the United States Senate; the Fenton
Mansion has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, The Fenton Mansion, built 150 years ago as a family home,
serves as a museum with numerous exhibits and period rooms detailing
life in the Nineteenth Century as well as the important roles played by
the residents of Jamestown and Chautauqua County in the history of our
country; other temporary exhibits and programs have highlighted the
accomplishments of local figures including Supreme Court Justice Robert
H. Jackson, famed actress Lucille Ball, cartoonist Brad Anderson, natur-
alist Roger Tory Peterson, and many others; and
WHEREAS, With an eye toward encouraging students to enrich their
education, the Fenton History Center provides numerous interactive and
multi-sensory educational programs at the museum; the Fenton History
Center also offers summer camps focused on the Civil War and archaeology
for students from first through seventh grade; and
WHEREAS, The Fenton History Center provides many services and educa-
tional opportunities for adults including a Brown Bag Lecture series and
Walking Tours of Jamestown; the Center's library also supports local
history and genealogical research; and
WHEREAS, Facing a need to expand, the Fenton History Center acquired
the Hall House in 2008, with a grant from the New York State Department
of Education; this former home of William Hall, founder of the Jamestown
Worsted Mills, was renovated to house the research center, collections
and archival management, allowing the Fenton History Center to better
manage and care for their collection; and
WHEREAS, The Fenton History Center proudly celebrates 50 years of
educating adults and children of all ages; the Center looks forward to
the future while sharing the long and vibrant history of Jamestown and
Chautauqua County; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
milestones in the histories of certain exceptional institutions in this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Fenton History Center in James-
town, New York, and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Fenton History Center.