Telethon hosts Rebecca McLain, Joe Kelly, and Morgan Mielnicki (left to right), 2025, photo by Mark DiOrio, Momentworks Photography

21st 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 20, from 5 – 8 p.m. The goal is to raise $50,000 to support the History Center’s mission to preserve and share 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 who pledge $50 or more will be eligible to receive a limited-edition gift sponsored by Oneida County Tourism.

Signature fundraising event

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 Dennis Webster, Joanne Gerace, County Executive Anthony Picente, 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.

2025 Telethon phone volunteers, photo by Mark DiOrio, Momentworks Photography

The event will be filmed and broadcast live from the WUTR station on Smith Hill Road as a throwback to the very first telethon! It’s a historic year for the History Center. The historical society is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, which coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

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 2026 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 2026 telethon.

Naming Sponsor

Bank of Utica

Platinum Sponsors

Chris & Virginia Kelly; DBJ Wealth Management; Coleman B. Harding

Gold Sponsors

The John Brown Team at Coldwell Banker Faith Properties; Greg and Denyse Evans; John & Catherine McEnroe; Caruso McLean & Co. Inc.; Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig; Staffworks; Richard Williams

Silver Sponsors

DeIorio Foods Inc.; Drs. Cynthia Parlato & Doug Hurd; MARCH Associates; New Hartford Eye Associates; Oneida County Tourism; Stewart’s Shops; Towne Engineering; UFA Alumni Association