Local photographer John Bowman and his Box Camera. Collier's magazine once called Bowman the "box camera champion of the world." His camera, along with other items related to communication and media, are currently on display at the McClurg Museum in Westfield, NY.

WESTFIELD – The Chautauqua County Historical Society invites the community to celebrate and support local history at its annual gala fundraiser on Saturday, June 13.

The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of the McClurg Museum in Moore Park, at Routes 394 and 20 in Westfield. A large tent will ensure a comfortable, rain-or-shine setting.

The fundraiser includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments, along with access to museum galleries.

Featured is the newly completed “Communication” exhibit on the second floor in the McClurg’s North Room. Curated by volunteer and exhibit coordinator Sandy Brown, it includes typewriters, cameras — including the fixed box camera used by John Bowman — as well as telegraph equipment and telephones, illustrating communication in Chautauqua County during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Members of the Chautauqua County Historical Society board of trustees will welcome guests and share updates on ongoing preservation efforts and the new Fireside Lecture Series, a collaboration with the Patterson Library.

Admission is $50 per person, with proceeds supporting collections care, public programming, and continued restoration of McClurg Museum.

Tickets and reservations are available by calling 716-326-2977 or by contacting any member of the CCHS board of trustees.Walk-up purchases the day of the event are also welcome. For more information visit CCHSMcClurg.org.