Things to Do in Jamestown

Located in her hometown of Jamestown, New York, the Lucille Ball Museum is an homage to all things I Love Lucy, one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, as well as the couple who created it. A must for fans of the show, step onto exact recreations of the I Love Lucy sets, admire Lucille and Desi’s awards, check out original costumes, and soak up the lives and legacies of Ball and Arnaz.

Opened in 2018, the National Comedy Center in Jamestown is the nation’s official cultural institution dedicated to comedy as an art form. Featuring more than 50 immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, the museum celebrates the great minds and voices of American comedy and gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the comedic process.

Housed in a beautiful, red-bricked former mansion, the Fenton History Center is the premier site for local history and genealogy in Jamestown, New York. The museum’s informative exhibits range in topic from the history of the city to the Underground Railroad to the life of Lucille Ball, who was born in the area. There’s also the research center, another classic structure, just a short walk from the museum.

The building alone is worth a visit to the center. Named after a former governor of the state, it is an architectural gem of the 19th century, built in an Italian villa style. Let the historic building seemingly take you back in time with period rooms, a resources collection, and dozens of artifacts relating to Jamestown's industrial past.