Local Students Explore County's History in America 250 Video Project

An educational video project explores several significant chapters of Chautauqua County's history and connects them to the broader American story, as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. County officials say a central goal of this effort was to engage young people with local history. The video is narrated by three students -- Mattie Silleman of the Silver Creek Central School District, Kennedy Thurston of the Fredonia Central School District, and Blake Case of the Forestville Central School District. One of the major events explored by the students was the Holland Land Company's purchase of the land that currently comprises eight counties in Western New York, including Chautauqua County...

students: parcels of land were divided

The trio of students also explored the importance of the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry in the county's development...

students: about the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry

The video also highlights the Barcelona Lighthouse and Jamestown's nationally influential voting machine industry. The project originated from an idea developed by Melissa Silleman, a volunteer with the Chautauqua County Historian's Office. The full video, directed and edited by Chautauqua County Media Information Officer Justin Gould, can be seen below.

Thumbnail image by Chautauqua County Government