OBSERVER File Photo The National Comedy Center in Jamestown.

JAMESTOWN — The National Comedy Center was just named one of PEOPLE Magazine’s “100 Reasons to Love America” in the publication’s July 1 cover story, just out on newsstands and online.

One of only three museums to be named on its annual list of the nation’s most beloved treasures, PEOPLE cited the National Comedy Center as “the country’s first museum devoted to comedy” and “worth the trip to Jamestown, NY, Lucille Ball’s hometown.”

“We are proud to be included on this prestigious list created by PEOPLE Magazine,” said Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center Executive Director. “As Americans hit the road over the July 4th holiday weekend and beyond, we hope they’ll come visit Jamestown, NY to see for themselves why the National Comedy Center is a national treasure and a great reason to love America. This is one more validation of everything our visitors have been saying about the experience. It exceeds everyone’s expectations, and I’m glad People has recognized it in this national context.”

“Our goal was to create a world class attraction where patrons from all over the world would be entertained and educated, and just have fun”, said Tom Benson, the National Comedy Center Project Chairman. “When I walk through the Center now and hear laughter ringing out from all corners, from people of all ages and walks of life, I know that we hit our mark.”

The National Comedy Center was voted a “Best New Attraction” by USA Today readers earlier this year, ranking No. 2 out of 20 new attractions and ranking as the No. 1 museum and No. 1 ticketed attraction in the country. In March, the U.S. Congress designated the National Comedy Center as the United States’ official cultural institution dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Conde Nast Traveler called the Center “One of the best museums in the country.” Visitors from all 50 states and nine countries have given the Center a rare 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor, ranking among the highest in the attraction and tourism industry.

The National Comedy Center museum experience is open seven days a week, year round, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For admission information, visit www.ComedyCenter.org.