The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce and the Seneca County Chamber of Commerce recently worked together to co-host a Member Milestone Celebration that honored the grand reopening of Fatzinger Hall which is situated inside the Waterloo Library & Historical Society. Located at 31 E. William Street in historic Waterloo, the birthplace of Memorial Day, the Waterloo Library and Historical Society (WLHS) was founded in 1875 and is one of the oldest in New York State. The second floor of the Queen Anne Victorian-style library building is home to Fatzinger Hall, a historic performance venue that features a raised stage with tiered seating for 100.
Following nearly a two-year renovation process, the project cost $400,000 and was paid for in part by state grants as well as community donations. After being closed, attendees to the event were able to tour the property and experience new seating, risers, carpeting, professional theater lighting, a sound system, and a projector with a 14-foot screen, along with the much-needed air conditioning system that was also installed in the newly updated space. The renovations were the first phase of a long-term capital project to upgrade the historic property.
The event was held on May 3rd and about 40 people attended the event from various surrounding communities. Executive Director Cyndi Park-Sheils spoke to the audience in the new theater seating about the upgrades to the space and discussed the history as well as what else the community can look forward to in the future. She thanked the board, community, and staff for their support and gave special recognition to the generosity of additional donors. Chamber and community members gathered around WLHS Staff and Board members for a group photo.