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National Comedy Center cited by People Magazine

File Photo The National Comedy Center in Jamestown.

JAMESTOWN — The National Comedy Center has been 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.

Opened in August 2018 in Jamestown, New York, the National Comedy Center offers an unprecedented visitor experience using state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create the first true 21st Century museum environment.

Based on the vision of Jamestown native Lucille Ball for her hometown to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy’s great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. As a non-profit institution, the National Comedy Center was funded by a mix of federal, state and private philanthropic support, including partnerships with I LOVE NEW YORK ™, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York State’s Empire State Development.

The National Comedy Center also operates the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, which explores the lives, careers and legacy of the “First Couple of Comedy,” and the incredible impact they had on the world. The organization also produces the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, with past performers including Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Lewis Black, Trevor Noah, Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Gaffigan, Paula Poundstone, Ray Romano, Bob Newhart, The Smothers Brothers, and more. The 28th annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival this August 7-11 will be headlined by Sebastian Maniscalco and John Mulaney.

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