CCHS 2026 Annual Meeting to Focus on Early History of Barcelona Harbor
WESTFIELD, NY - The Chautauqua County Historical Society (CCHS) will hold its 2026 annual meeting on Saturday, April 18 at the Lakeshore Assembly of God (252 E Main St, Westfield, NY).
The annual meeting gives CCHS members an opportunity to learn about the organization’s accomplishments and highlights over the past year. In addition, it will also feature a lecture. This year's featured speaker will be Michelle Henry, Research Historian for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, who will present Barcelona Harbor 1800-1860: Its Significance in the Development of Chautauqua County.
Barcelona Harbor, located in the Town of Westfield, was first explored by Europeans during the late 17th century. In the 18th century, it became a key location for the French military to transport troops and munitions between the Great Lakes and the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. When Chautauqua County was settled in the early 19th century, the harbor was utilized for transportation and also fishing commerce, with the now-historic Barcelona Lighthouse being constructed in 1829 to accommodate the many boats, steamers, and ships in the area. Henry’s presentation will go into detail on many facets of the harbor’s history, offering key details on its many uses during much of the 19th century.
Henry started her career in the history field as director of CCHS. In 1996 she was hired by County Clerk Sandra Sopak to organize the historical records held by the county. In 2000, she was appointed County Historian, a position she held until her retirement in 2023. She was also a longtime CCHS trustee, serving on the board until spring 2025. In 2011, Henry was awarded the Julia Reinstein Awarded for Excellence in the Field of Public History, and in 2012 she received the Wheeler B. Melius Award for Excellence in Establishing a Records Management Program for the county. She has also served as a consultant for the state’s Museum Collection Assessment Program, providing assistance and advice to small museums in Western New York.
As noted, there will also be a CCHS business meeting prior to the presentation. The business portion will begin at 10 a.m. when CCHS President Jason Sample provides the organization’s annual report. In addition, several other trustees will be on hand to offer updates on the McClurg Museum, its exhibits, and the CCHS collection. Henry’s presentation on Barcelona Harbor will take place after the business portion of the meeting, at approximately 10:45 a.m.
Coffee and donuts will be provided, courtesy of Tim Horton's in Westfield. No reservations are required and the event is free and open to the public. Members of the County Historical Society are especially encouraged to attend to participate in the election of any incoming board members and to meet the 2026 officers.
For more information on the event, call (716) 326-2977, or email cchs@mcclurgmuseum.org.
