The Friends of the Three Bears started in 2002 as a nonprofit corporation to help with the restoration of the three historic buildings known as the Court House Complex. Over the course of time, they have become the heartbeat of the south end of Seneca County. Since its inception, the organization has raised over one million dollars from grants, fundraising and hard work from our volunteers. Our goal is to help people visiting our area and those living in Finger Lakes understand the historical importance of these buildings. These buildings were all but in ruins when the Friends stepped up to the plate. Foundations were crumbling, porches were falling off, paint was peeling and now they are resplendent and ready for visitors and events. You can browse the past issues of our newsletter the Bear Hug to see how far the renovations have come. But, there is still care to be given to these Nationally Recognized Historic buildings. Post Covid, the new tourist center will open in Mama Bear and Papa will become an Arts & Cultural Center. Come join and become friends too.
Vision
The vision for the Friends of the Three Bears is to fully utilize the Seneca County Courthouse Complex buildings and become the heart of the community for fine arts and education, and as a hub of tourism for the Finger Lakes Region.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Friends of the Three Bears is to preserve the buildings known as the (historic Seneca County) Courthouse Complex, implement art, music, and other educational programs/events, and provide historical building tours and area information to visitors. The Friends will accomplish this through fundraising, and community outreach.
Seneca County owns the site including the buildings. At present, NYS law does not allow for the possibility of sale. All major funding sources require the owner to be the applicant for any matching funds or to give consent to any other applicant. The Friends of the Three Bears is a partner in achieving any major funding for the foreseeable future as tax moneys cannot be used.
The Friends of the Three Bears started in 2002 as a nonprofit corporation to help with the restoration of the three historic buildings known as the Court House complex. Since then, over one million dollars in from grants, fundraising, and volunteers hard work has accomplished the preservation and restoration of these buildings. These are more than brick and mortar. They are living history and source of community pride. In 2021, the Tourist Center was opened in Mama Bear and serves as a gate way to visitors to the Finger Lakes. Papa Bear has come alive with a Featured Artist each month, Art Classes and lectures on topics as far ranging as Shipwrecks of Seneca Lake and the Underground Railroad. The Friday Farmers Market during the summer ends with the Concert Series on the Lawn featuring a wide variety of musical genres. Our Community organizations use the space for meetings and programs. The Three Bears are truly the heart of Ovid and Seneca County.
When you become a member, you will receive a gift and semi-annual Bear Hugs Newsletter.
When you become a member, you will receive a gift and semi-annual Bear Hugs Newsletter.
When you become a member, you will receive a gift and semi-annual Bear Hugs Newsletter.
When you become a member, you will receive a gift and semi-annual Bear Hugs Newsletter.
Board of Trustees:
Phyllis Motill, President
Donalie Kelly, Vice President
Shannon O’Connor, Secretary
Maren Hosmer, Treasurer
Deb Bush
Harold Bush (Institution)
Kit Cupp
Lynne Doyle
Leon Kelly
Diane McCommell
Jean O’Donnell-Smith
Sally Tillinghast
Dottie Traphaghen (Institution)
David Wood
Tourism: As we open the Tourism Center post COVID, we will need representatives to greet guests at Mama Bear. Email Carol Anne Barsody: threebearsovid@gmail.com to become a part of this exciting opportunity.
Marketing: Be responsible for the quarterly publishing of our Bear Hugs Newsletter and print materials.
History: The Bears are more than buildings they are the stories of the people who served as clerks and judges. Understanding the times in which the people of Ovid lived. These would be used in the Bear Hugs and Website and in conjuncture with tours for Adults and Students.
Grounds: Love to Garden or are you a Master Gardener in search of a project? The grounds would be enhanced with lovely perennials along the walkways. The interior is always in need of maintenance and sprucing up. We would love to have your elbow grease.
Events: There are many fundraising and cultural events planned for 2022 and we will need a short term commitment of time to make these successful.
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