Country Museum Tour in Chautauqua County, NY
You can hear the laughter when you walk through the door. America’s most famous redhead is about to share her life story, but it’s not just about the fun. The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center is actually a side-by-side venue, two museums located in the apparent historic district of Jamestown NY. This mini-town of just over 30,000 spills out on either side of Swede Hill at the southern point of Lake Chautauqua. It’s a great place to start our Chautauqua County Museum Tour.
The Lucy-Desi Museum documents the life stories of these two American icons. The interactive storyboards share their childhoods: hers as a village urchin, his as a member of a privileged Cuban family. Neither of them had it easy to succeed. Neither of them had an easy time navigating the road to fame.
Television monitors throughout the museum broadcast episodes of some of its best shows and movies. It’s a pleasure to remember and laugh when Lucy learned to drive, tried to manipulate Desi in some way, or performed with her friend Carol Burnett. You will also see many of their costumes and personal possessions. Next door is the DesiLu Playhouse, with sets from the famous show and other memorabilia.
To tour both museums, get a combined ticket. Browse the gift shops before heading out. For more fun, plan a visit during Lucy-Desi days (May 22-24) or Lucy’s birthday weekend, August 20. 7-9. (Lucy was born on August 6, 1911, the day after my birthday … but several decades earlier!) The museum brochure details Lucy’s other famous sites, including her childhood home and her memorial in the historic cemetery. of Lakeview.
The Fenton History Center, also in downtown Jamestown, is located in the former governor’s residence. Reuben Fenton. As governor of New York just after the Civil War, he was a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln. Later, Fenton served as the United States Representative and Senator. Exhibits include period rooms, a unique photographic tribute to Lucille Ball, local history, and a seasonal dance band exhibit showing the old ballrooms at Celeron Park, Bemis Point, Jamestown and Chautauqua (until 19 September).
Specialty museums in Jamestown include the Roger Tory Peterson Institute and the Robert H. Jackson Center. RTPI features Dr. Peterson’s wildlife art and photography, as well as an extensive library of his works. The Institute promotes the study and appreciation of nature with various exhibits, programs, and other events. The Jackson Center preserves the legacy of Robert H. Jackson, Supreme Court Justice and Chief Prosecutor for the Nuremberg Trials. Jackson was born in nearby Spring Creek, PA.
The McClurg Museum in Mayville is home to the Chautauqua County Historical Society. This three-story mansion dates back to 1818. It shows the early history of the area. See the collection of dolls, period pieces, and a display to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. Lincoln visited Chautauqua County during his run for the White House. You will also enjoy strolling the streets of this historic city, the county’s first settlement (1804). Stop for a bite to eat at any of the local restaurants. Many have views of Lake Chautauqua.
Along the shores of nearby Lake Erie, you’ll find the Barker Museum at Fredonia and the historic Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum. The Barker is a Victorian mansion named after Darwin R. Barker, businessman and supporter of the Underground Railroad. The house was built by his father in 1821. You will enjoy the restored pump organ in the living room and the children’s area with its Victoria dollhouse. The Barker Historical Library focuses on area genealogy and family histories. The museum offers changing displays of local history. Stroll through historic downtown Fredonia to see the architecture and atmosphere that surrounds Barker Commons. Be sure to tour the restored 1891 Fredonia Opera House. It was almost destroyed in 1983, but public outcry saved the historic structure. Stick around for a performance if your schedule allows. Like the historic Struthers Library Theater in Warren, the Fredonia Opera House offers a seasonal menu of plays, movies, and musical entertainment.
The lighthouse in the vicinity of Dunkirk was commissioned in 1827. The adjacent museum houses military exhibits (each branch of military service has its own room), the history of the lighthouse and its keepers, a Vietnam room, and others. Stroll the grounds to see historic ships, anchors, other Lake Erie memorabilia, and a Civil War cannon. Explore the museum and climb the lighthouse tower, all for a single admission ticket. For more fun, attend the annual Lighthouse Craft Festival the third full weekend in August.
There is something for everyone in historic Chautauqua County! Plan a day … or a stay to explore these wonderful treasures in Western New York. Visit http://www.tourchautauqua.com for information on travel and accommodation.