05/25/2026
Thirty years ago today, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum opened its doors in Lucille Ball’s hometown with a mission of preserving and celebrating the legacy of two pioneers who forever changed television, comedy, and American culture.
Over the past three decades, the Museum has welcomed fans from around the world while preserving and celebrating the enduring legacy of “I Love Lucy,” Desilu Studios, and the groundbreaking careers of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
What began in 1996 as a tribute to Lucy and Desi helped lay the foundation for what would later become the National Comedy Center – establishing Jamestown as a destination where comedy’s greatest artists, stories, and cultural impact are celebrated and preserved for future generations.
Today, as we celebrate the Museum’s 30th anniversary – alongside this year’s 75th anniversary of “I Love Lucy,” – we’re grateful to everyone who helped build and support this incredible institution over the years: our staff, volunteers, members, supporters, the Jamestown community, and generations of fans who continue to keep Lucy and Desi’s story alive.
Here’s to 30 years of laughter, memories, and preserving comedy history for generations to come.
