Calendar

  • February 28

    History Detectives are the Fenton's young historians for grades 4-7. The students will meet 10 times a year to discover Jamestown's past stories, people and places. Cost $8/month or $60 for the year. Last Saturday of the month Jan.-July, Sept. - Nov. from 1-3 PM at the Fenton History Center.

  • April 11

    NEW! Brown Bag Lecture Series
    Noon to 1 PM. Come hear about an important part of Jamestown's history during the lunch hour. Donations encouraged, Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month April through October, at the Fenton Mansion until further notice.

  • May 19 - September 29

    "From Stage to Talkies; Theaters in Jamestown"
    Vaudeville, touring companies, talent shows, silent films and talkies - all are part of Jamestown's long history in entertainment. The exhibit features images, stories, playbills and more about the over 20 theaters in Jamestown's past.

 

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Fenton History Center - About Us

Our Mission: To provide educational 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.



Governor Fenton portrait

Governor Fenton

Reuben E. Fenton was Governor of New York State from 1865 to 1869. He also served in the US Congress (1853-1864) and US Senate (1869-1875). As one of the founders of the Republican Party, he was a close political associate of Abraham Lincoln.

postcard view of Fenton Mansion

Postcard view of Fenton Mansion
at the beginning of the 20th century.

Governor Fenton, who made his fortune in the lumbering business, commissioned local architect Aaron Hall to design and build a mansion in 1863. A typical example of Italian Villa style architecture, the Fenton Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The Fenton Mansion has served as headquarters for the local history center since 1964.




Fenton Mansion

Fenton Mansion

photo by Karen E. Livsey

The Fenton History Center is a community resource for people of all ages from the pre-school child just learning to read to the senior citizen who still finds something new to learn each day. The resources (collection, library/archives and educational resources) and services (exhibits, research assistance and educational programming) found at the FHC are tied to community interests and reflect what the community cares about. The FHC will continue to develop innovative methods of meeting community interests and priorities- such as the Junior Historians, History Club, Adult History Club and Genealogy Support Group - while continuing to serve as an educational resource for children and adults, a place for families to enjoy together, and a part of the community's heritage.