Wonderful Season at Rose Hill Mansion
By Mel Oles, Visitor Services and Program Manager at Rose Hill Mansion and Johnston House
As I reflect on the past season at Rose Hill, my heart is full of gratitude. What an incredible season it was! We witnessed countless smiles, cherished meeting visitors from around the world, and celebrated special moments.
From new programs like the Mourning Otis tour and bird walks to our summer concerts and Family Day, we offered a variety of experiences to visitors and locals. I am endlessly thankful for our dedicated tour guides staff, who pour their passion into telling Rose Hill’s stories and ensuring that every visitor had a memorable experience. Thank you to Nancy Wright, Maryrose Arimoto, Cindy Austin, Dawn Jendrick, Allison Chapin, Christine Murphy, Rebekah Clark, and Kerry Adams.
I also want to express appreciation to all the volunteers and partners who supported us in so many ways. Your time, talent, and dedication are invaluable, and together we have created lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Thank you to MJ Benda, Karen Fouracre, Ron Press, Zooey Gastelo, Shelley Rea Higgin, Steve and Lynn Oles, Stephen Kress, Geneva Rotary Club, Two Peace Banc (George and Rika Pendry), Genesee Country Bobbin Lace Guild, Ward W. O’Hara Agricultural and Country Living Museum, Time Travelers, Town of Fayette Historical Society, Reynolds Battery, 148th New York Volunteer Infantry, Ithaca Maple Works, Geneva Club Beverage, the Nelson B. Delavan Foundation Part A., and the Wyckoff Family Foundation. If you are interested in getting involved, please visit our website.
As we transition into the off season, I look forward to creating more opportunities to share Rose Hill’s stories, especially the landscape. The first phase of the driveway and parking lot project was completed this month. The entrance has been enlarged to allow tour buses, school buses and large vehicles to enter with ease. We also added handicap accessible parking near the Carriage House Visitor Center Gift Shop and extended the parking lot behind the Carriage House. Among the next steps are planting cherry trees.
I’m already planning exciting events and programs for next season, including summer concerts, another bird walk, and a new art themed specialty tour. These and other opportunities will soon be posted on our website and social media channels.
Thank you once again for being part of our journey this past season. We can’t wait to welcome you back.