About
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fenton Mansion, located at 67 Washington Street in Jamestown, New York, is a landmark, lending distinction and elegance to the passing scene. In its continuing mission as the center for education and preservation of a unique local heritage, it is a valuable cultural institution in the city of Jamestown, New York.
In addition to housing an impressive museum within the family home of Reuben E. Fenton (1819-1885), U.S. Congressman (1853-1864), New York State Governor (1864-1869) and U.S. Senator (1869-1875), the Fenton History Center owns and operates a fully functioning research center, located 73 Forest Avenue in the historic Hall House.
The Hall House is situated adjacently from the Fenton Mansion and is accessible by a private redbrick walkway. A private parking lot is available at both locations.
Tours
The Fenton History Center welcomes bus tours and guided tours by appointment (716) 664-6256. However, walk-in visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour of the museum at any time during operational hours, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Visitors touring the museum on their own are provided with an informative booklet and a brief overview of the museum prior to their tour. A full selection of books; pieces reminiscent of the Victorian era; mementos of the Fenton Mansion, Jamestown, New York and Chautauqua Lake; keepsakes; and a number of handcrafted items are available for sale within the museum gift shop.
Educational Programs
Educational programming is available for businesses, civic groups, private and public students and families. Offerings are available within the historic Fenton Mansion and through the Fenton History Center’s Moving Museum. Please contact the Education Director Jennifer Champ to schedule a guided tour or program by phone (716) 664-6256 or by email
Fenton Mansion
Reuben Eaton Fenton commissioned local Architect Aaron Hall to design and build the Fenton Mansion in 1863. The handsome, red brick, one family home has served as the local history center in Southern Chautauqua County since 1964 and was formally recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The mansion is the perfect example of Italian villa style architecture reminiscent of the mid-19th century. Present day, the museum embraces its original authenticity by featuring a number of period rooms, its mission to preserve of history at the local and national level and through its educational programming and through its dedication to local veterans.
Located at 67 Washington Street in Jamestown, New York, the Fenton Mansion houses the Fenton History Center’s museum and gift shop.
Historic Hall House
The Hall House was constructed for William Hall in 1846. Hall, who was a businessman and proprietor, focused on the lumber industry before changing his course to focus on textiles.
At one point in his career, he partnered with William Broadhead and Joseph Turner to create Hall, Broadhead, & Turner Textile Mills. The company later changed ownership to Hall & Company, and later was known as, the Jamestown Worsted Mills.
In 2013, the stately, four pillared, Greek revival home made its formal debut to the public as the Fenton History Center’s fully functioning research center. This location is the home of the Fenton Genealogy Support Group and the current meeting place of the Fenton History Center’s Vets Finding Vets program. This Hall House is handicap accessible and service dog friendly.