Dr. Tom Greer, “Elizabeth Scudder Fenton,” County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, and County Executive PJ Wendel unveil the new interpretive archaeology signs at the Fenton History Center

The Fenton History Center unveiled new interpretive archaeology signs on its grounds in a ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

Resident Archaeologist Dr. Tom Greer said the Walnut Grove Archaeology Project at the center has been going on for ten years. He said close to 100 volunteers have helped with the dig over that time.

Greer said he worked with former Fenton History Center Executive Director Noah Goodling on the language for the three signs, “As far as the signs themselves, they were designed by myself, Noah, and Victoria Parker. I was hoping Victoria would be here today. She’s not feeling well. Cause she did most of the work on this. She did all the graphics, all the layout, she recorded all the videos, and edited the videos that you’ll be able to access on your phone via the QR codes that are on the signs.”

The event coincided with the 198th birthday of Elizabeth Scudder Fenton, who was the second wife of former New York Governor Reuben Fenton.

Center Curator Victoria Parker said while the Fenton has a Christmas exhibit every year, they invite people to see the theme of the exhibit which changes, “It’s our interpretation of the North Pole. You’ll see Santa Claus checking his list, some elves at work, and also learn about the history of those things and where we got that story of Santa Claus checking his list. We’ve kind of based our elves on a photo we found from 1873 – a magazine cover of Santa’s Workshop.”

Parker said there will be Candlelight Hours from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, December 17th which allows visitors to tour the whole Fenton mansion by candlelight.

Parker said a Holiday open house will then be held Saturday, December 18th, “So we’ll have some extra activities, some games for the kids, make and take craft activities, as well as the holiday exhibit. All of these events are standard admission, so $10 for adults, children age 17 and under and Fenton History Center members are free.”

Parker also shared that the Fenton History Center Board of Directors has named Lisa Goodell as its interim Executive Director.

Goodell is filling in after former ED Noah Goodling resigned December 3rd to take a job as Project Director with the Capacity Lab. A new, permanent director of the Fenton History Center is expected to be hired in early 2022.