Oneida County History Center is excited to announce its 20th annual telethon presented by Bank of Utica! This signature fundraising event will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tune in to the live broadcast on WUTR-TV or watch the live stream on CNYHomepage.com. The evening celebrates local history and the community partnerships that make implementing the History Center mission possible.
The telethon will be hosted by longtime emcee Joe Kelly, and History Center Executive Director Rebecca McLain. Sentinel Media Company’s Morgan Mielnicki will host the star board, and special guests from the community will appear throughout the event. The 2025 goal is to raise $50,000 to support the organization’s mission to protect and preserve central New York history for present and future generations. Viewers can call 315-735-3642 during the event to join, renew, or donate to show their support.
Community support has an incredible impact because the History Center relies on the generosity of its community and does not receive annual government funding. Donations sustain its annual operating budget and allow staff and volunteers to provide engaging programs, exhibits, and research opportunities. Pledges received during the 2025 telethon are vital to the organization’s success and directly support mission-driven initiatives including:
- Free monthly, public programs including lectures, story hours, workshops, and films
- Special and rotating exhibits in the History Center’s 5,000-square-foot gallery
- Preservation and care of our growing archival, artifact, and genealogical collections
- Free access to the research library for students and low-cost access for non-members
- Internship opportunities & educational outreach to area schools and organizations
- Increased hours for research library staff
