Jane Babinsky

Jane Babinsky, recently hired director of the Dunkirk Historical Museum, will present her vision for reinvigorating that valuable community asset at Revitalize Dunkirk’s final meeting for 2018, this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Fredonia Technology Incubator, 214 Central Ave., Dunkirk.

Director Babinsky brings to her new position a wealth of experience and accomplishments as the Director of the Chagrin Falls (Ohio) Historical Society for the past four years. Under her leadership there, the society completed a two-million-dollar fundraising campaign, allowing the purchase of a Victorian residence to serve as its new headquarters. The museum’s collection was also significantly updated and expanded, and 100 volunteers recruited and trained.

Many members of Revitalize Dunkirk are also long-time volunteers at the Dunkirk Historical Museum and are aware of how understaffed, underfunded and overwhelmed its parent organization has been for many years. Other residents interested in our community’s history are invited to come meet Director Babinsky and learn about plans for the museum’s renewal.

As always, anyone interested in sharing community improvement ideas, or finding out more about Revitalize Dunkirk, is welcome at its meetings and warmly invited to attend those featuring guest speakers on topics in which they are especially interested.

In organization business, Revitalize Dunkirk is currently conducting its 2019 membership drive. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, the group advocates to community members and elected officials for improved urban living. Because Revitalize Dunkirk is committed to community improvement, it’s no surprise its members participate in many other worthwhile organizations.

Newcomers to Revitalize Dunkirk would be joining a group whose members are active not only in the Dunkirk Historical Society, but also the Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse, the Boys and Girls Club, Rotary International, Meals on Wheels, Girls Scouts of America, Master Gardener Volunteers, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, American Red Cross, Academy Heights Neighborhood Association, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Literacy Volunteers, and Dunkirk’s Citizens Action Committee.

All those who think Revitalize Dunkirk might be for them are welcome to come to a monthly meeting, always held the third Thursday of each month (except December) at 6:30 p.m. at the Fredonia Technology Incubator, 214 Central Ave., Dunkirk, or visit www.revitalizedunkirk.com for more information on the group’s community projects and activities.