fenton history center

They have a lot of displays and history in this house/museum. There's a nice tribute to Lucille Ball. A lot of artifacts from The Civil War and World War I and wrenches from The Crescent Tool Company. They have display cases with old toys in them. There are a lot of stairs to the different levels of the house and there's also a tower window to look out over Jamestown.

The beautiful main parlor was both a like and a dislike. It was so hard to see with the dim lighting, and I wanted to be able to appreciate all the furnishings and decoration -- but I was impressed when the staff member explained that was the level of lighting the original gaslight fixture would have provided.Do be sure to visit the lower level to see the exhibit on the underground railroad.

We really enjoyed this museum. Even my 7 year old grandson liked it. I like the building itself. but then again I am a nut for 19th century stuff. There was a ton of interesting things to see throughout the entire building. Even in the basement. I bought an Individual annual membership through 3rd party website before i went there.The only down side was that Fenton's website said I got 2 one time guest passes free with this, but when i got there i was told that wasn't the case and I ended up spending more than I expected to. But not a lot more. This should be clarified better on the website or maybe it needs updating.

This was a self-guided tour through the Fenton mansion. We enjoyed leaning about the history of Jamestown and life in the 1800s. They had some very unique exhibits that I have not seen in other places. I think this should be on your don't miss list in Jamestown.

And my mother has traveled the US extensively visiting historical homes and sites and is rather "choosy." She thought the Fenton History Center was excellent. Jamestown is a place where Swedish and Italian immigrants settled and continued to maintain their cultural heritage to this day. Exhibit rooms honor these cultures. The Fenton Center was the home of Governor Reuben Fenton ,1865-68. and shows the home as it was in Gov. Fenton's era, as well as area history, such as the Celeron Amusement Park.

I really liked the Lucille Ball room. I did not realize all she did for Jamestown and that she never "forgot her roots". They had plenty of photographs with detailed descriptions to them but they were not so detailed that you were reading a long period of time. They did a good job of preserving Lucille Ball's legacy. Also, in the basement there is information on the Underground Railroad, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They have pictures and letters along with a decent amount of information on the Underground Railroad and it offered some insight into what occurred at that time.

Staff was great, it was self guided tour through the house. It had great pictures, the information provided was thorough, and there was room with a lot of information on Lucy. I really enjoyed the visit.

This was my first trip to Jamestown, NY and USA. Coming from Sweden, to visit a long lost friend and his wife who accommodated me during my two weeks, I learned alot from Swedish history at this place. For example, the fact that many people from the county Småland in Sweden, came here to work. Anyway, it is alot to see and read at this place. You'll probably end up walkin around for some hours ;) Well worth a visit!

I loved going here as a child! The Christmas rooms (especially the Swedish one) and the tower/children's rooms are my favorite.A glimpse into Jamestown's past.The underground railroad piece is very interesting as well.