That was the idea behind the National Comedy Center. Jamestown had enjoyed some success with its Lucy-Desi Museum, thanks to the happy coincidence that comedy great Lucille Ball happened to be born in the upstate New York City. Why not think bigger? Why not a celebration of comedy in all its forms?
Those thoughts came up around 2010. It took several years and several million dollars, but the National Comedy Center opened for business in August 2018. That means as of this writing, it is celebrating its first anniversary.
And after touring it, you'd have to say everyone involved did a wonderful job in creating a fabulous tourist attraction.
Jamestown remodeled an old utilities building for the Comedy Center, and also took over the old train station for its gift shop. (Be sure to look up at the railroad markings while you are searching for souvenirs.) It looks small, but it takes several hours to visit it minimum.
There are sections devoted to business leaders, cartoons, television, film, internet, awards, etc. There's even a "blue room," devoted to those who have pushed the envelope of good taste over the years. It's all done in a state-of-the-art way, beginning with your entrance into the Center. Visitors answer some questions, and then tap a wristband that has a computer chip attached. That is supposed to personalize the experience somewhat.
Along the way, there are bunches of exhibits, videos, audio clips, etc. You can see the Smothers Brothers' suits, Harpo Marx's trench coat, and Rose Marie's pink dress from the Dick Van Dyke Show. A room currently is devoted to the work of Ernie Kovacs, who was born in 1919. That exhibit will stay up for a year.
It adds up to a wonderfully entertaining experience. If you are in the neighborhood, go - and stop in on Lucy and Desi down the street if you have time. Let's hope this new museum helps make Jamestown "the Cooperstown of Comedy."
Let's look around:
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