Scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

20^th Annual History Center Telethon

Live on WUTR & CNYHOMEPAGE.com

Presented by Bank of Utica

Join, renew, or donate! The History Center Telethon presented by Bank of Utica is Wednesday, May 14, from 5 – 8 p.m. The goal is to raise $50,000 to support the History Center’s mission to protect and preserve central New York history for present and future generations. The event is broadcast live on WUTR-TV and CNYHomepage.com, and viewers are encouraged to call 315-735-3642 during the event to show their support. The first 40 callers to pledge $50 or more will be eligible to receive a limited-edition, surprise gift sponsored by Oneida County Tourism.

 

This signature fundraising event celebrates local history and the community partnerships that make implementing the History Center’s mission possible. Hosts Joe Kelly, Rebecca McLain, and Morgan Mielnicki will welcome special guests throughout the event including author Deirdre Sinnott, County Executive Anthony Picente, historian Alexis Albright, History Center volunteers, and many others. The event will also feature artifacts from the History Center collection and vignettes about important individuals in local history.

 

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

 

The History Center staff, volunteers, and board of directors would like to thank the following organizations, businesses, and individuals who have already pledged their support for the 2025 telethon.

 

Naming Sponsor

Bank of Utica

 

Platinum Sponsors

Adirondack Financial Services; Chris & Virginia Kelly; DBJ Wealth Management; The John Brown Team at Coldwell Banker Faith Properties; Coleman B. Harding

 

Gold Sponsors

Caruso McLean & Co. Inc.; Denyse & Greg Evans; Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig; Staffworks; Richard Williams

 

Silver Sponsors

Berkshire Bank; DeIorio Foods Inc.; F.X. Matt Brewing; Co.; Drs. Cynthia Parlato & Doug Hurd; MARCH Associates; New Hartford Eye Associates; Oneida County Tourism; UFA Alumni Association

 

Bronze Sponsors

GPO Federal Credit Union; C. Lewis Tomaselli Architects, DPC; Oneida Chapter NSDAR; Earle C. Reed; Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; Stewart’s Shops; Elizabeth & Richard Tantillo

 

Media Sponsors

WUTR; Daily Sentinel

 

In-Kind Sponsors

Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s; Northland Communications; Mark DiOrio & Momentworx Photography

PLATINUM INVESTORS