Radio Project to Feature 200 Notable Individuals from Chautauqua County

Below is the Media Release I wrote for the Bicentennial Biographies project, set to begin Jan. 10 on eight different radio stations in Chautauqua County, - SE-93, WJTN, WRFA, WQFX, WKSN, WHUG, WBKX and WDOE. 

I'm excited to that it will soon be hitting the airwaves and I encourage you to tune in and check them out. From what I understand, WDOE will air them during the morning show while WJTN will air them during the noon news hour at 12:25 p.m. and SE-93 will air them at 12:05 p.m.

For a sneak preview of one of the PSAs, CLICK HERE.

'Bicentennial Biographies' PSA Project begins Jan. 10 and continues throughout 2011

 Chautauqua County will celebrate a major milestone throughout 2011 with its 200th birthday. To celebrate the bicentennial, historical groups and societies all over the county will be involved in a variety of events and promotions throughout the year.

One promotion that will be ongoing throughout the entire year is “Bicentennial Biographies,” a public education project that will feature 200 notable individuals from the county’s past. Each weekday a different biography will be broadcast as a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on participating local radio stations, giving details about the individual, some of whom have not only left an indelible mark on Chautauqua County History, but also national and world history.

In an effort to create the most comprehensive and thought-out list possible, organizers teamed up with local historians to determine the 200 people to be featured. The biographies will not only include those born in Chautauqua County, but also those who moved elsewhere to make their mark in the world as well as the adopted sons and daughters who were from outside of the county but eventually found their way here and, as a result, helped to shape a particular community or even the entire county.

Chautauqua or "the Place of Easy Death"

While doing research for the Bicentennial Biographies project,  I was reading Andrew Young's "History of Chautauqua County, New York" (1875). The opening chapter, which was written by historian Obed Edison, tells of Chautauqua County's history prior to settlement by the white man. The entire section is fascinating, but I was especially intrigued by telling of the origin of "Chautauqua" - so intrigued that I figured I'd share it on my blog. Enjoy.

Vintage Map of "Chautauque" County

The name Ohio, or La Belle Riviere, was applied by the French to that portion of the Allegany, extending up from Pittsburgh as far, at least, as Franklin, as well as to the Ohio proper. It is probable that the Connewango, Chautauqua lake and outlet, and perhaps that part of the Allegany below the mouth of the Connewango to Franklin, were called by the French the Tchadakoin, as inscribed upon this leaden plate [see 'Lead Plate Expedition' in this link], and that, in process of time, this appellation was retained only by the lake. The word underwent various changes in its orthography also, until it came to be spelled "Chautauqua."

Bicentennial Biographies Update

I've been busy the past few weeks with a project out in Delaware Co. NY but I thought I'd take a little bit of time this Sunday to offer an update on Chautauqua County's Bicentennial Biographies project.  Basically, we are going to feature a brief biography of 200 noted individuals from throughout the county's 200-year history. The biographies will first be broadcast as PSAs on local radio, then published online for anyone wishing to view and comment. All biographies are being assembled by myself, County Historian Michelle Henry, and various town historians from throughout the area. We are making good progress and are confident the first biography will air on January 10, 2011.

Chautauqua County History

I'm currently helping the Chautauqua County Historical Society with a project to help promote the county's upcoming bicentennial (Chautauqua County was incorporated in February, 1811). It's called "Bicentennial Biographies" and will feature the 200 most notable people from Chautauqua County over the past 200 years. Once our list is completed, the Bicentennial Biographies will be produced into one-minute radio PSAs, with a new one airing each day on radio stations throughout the county. They will also be available online on and possibly in the local newspapers.