Jamestown, NY Tourist Attractions
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James Prendergast, the founder of Jamestown, built the first dam and sawmill in 1811. It became one of the leading producers of furniture and wood products. Midway Park is located in nearby Maple Springs, if features swimming and picnicking opportunities and several amusement rides.
Fenton History Center, Museum & Library
Fenton Historical Center is located in the 1863 mansion which was home to Reuben Eaton Fenton, governor of New York from 1865 to 1869. The center features Victorian furniture, a Civil War bugle, children's room, mourning exhibit, military room, drawing room, library reading room and many historic items.The Fenton History Center is all about the Jamestown area, housed in the stately 1863 mansion of former NYS Congressman, Governor and Senator R. E. Fenton (1819-1885). The museum has restored period rooms from the Victorian and Pioneer eras. Exhibits teach about the areas connections to the Civil War, WWI, the Golden Age of Chautauqua Lake, Lucille Ball's life and the local tool and furniture making industries. The museum mounts 2-3 main exhibits per year with the Holiday Exhibit opening the day after Thanksgiving and closing the 3rd Saturday in January. The Research Center is a wealth of information about genealogy and local/regional history. The museum is actively collecting Jamestown and S. Chautauqua county artifacts and archival items.
Lucy-Desi Museum
Exhibits at the Lucy-Desi Museum feature the lives and careers of Desi Arnaz and Jamestown-native Lucille Ball. Their personal and professional lives are highlighted through changing exhibits. Exhibits at the Desilu Playhouse feature recreations of the "I Love Lucy" sets, such as original costumes and production equipment with interactive displays and special screenings.
Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Jamestown Audubon Society maintains a 600 acre wildlife sanctuary with nature trails, an arboretum, towers, overlooks and wildlife habitats. The Nature Center Building offers educational and environmental exhibits, mounted bird specimens and a panoramic viewing area.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is located on 27 wooded acres that include trails and a butterfly garden. This national center for nature has hosted numerous traveling wildlife art and photography shows.
Art Gallery
The gallery is located in the James Prendergast Library. 19th and 20th century French, German and American paintings are on display.
