Joni Blackman is pictured in the Fenton mansion. Blackman is returning to the Fenton History Center as its executive director.

Joni Blackman is returning to the Fenton History Center as its executive director.

“Joni’s name sounds familiar to many at the Fenton and in Chautauqua County,” said Janet Wahlberg, Fenton History Center board president. “Ms. Blackman served as the executive director at the Fenton from 2004 to 2017. She also has served as a board member on other non-profit organizations in the area and as an employee. This experience will be invaluable to us at the Fenton.”

During Ms. Blackman’s previous leadership she expanded the Fenton History Center Property from a city park which was the home of Governor Reuben Fenton to a two-building history campus. Collaborating with community and State contacts she created a 7,000 sq, ft. research library and collections storage on the adjoining property now known as the Hall House Research Library.

“We look forward to working with her to continue growing the Fenton presence in the area. Her superb skills with capital programs, grant writing and creating fundraising events will facilitate this process,” Wahlberg said. “Joni also brings her vast network of community contacts and her ability to create working relationships between public and private entities. Joni’s work ethic is impressive. While serving as our Interim Director, she jumped right in to assist the staff in continuing the projects that were already in progress. Her vision going forward is comprehensive and creative and we look forward to helping her bring these ideas and projects to completion.”

Blackman retired from the Chautauqua Blind Association earlier this year after serving three years as its executive director. Her return to the Fenton comes after the organization employed several successors after Blackman left in 2017. Noah Goodling left in December 2021 to accept a position with another non-profit organization and was replaced by Renee Freifeld. Freifeld was in the position for a few months before Jane Babinsky was hired in 2022. Babinsky resigned in October to take the helm at the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

“I am looking forward to working with the great volunteers and staff at the Fenton,” Blackman said. “I appreciate the good work done by the previous Directors. Ms. Babinsky has set the Fenton on a good path.”

For more information about the Fenton History Center and Hall House Research Center, visit www.fentonhistorycenter.org or call 716-664-6256.