The Robert H. Jackson Center
The Robert H. Jackson Center
The Robert H. Jackson Center 2001–2007, a summary of the history and accomplishments of the Jackson Center since its founding in 2001.
The Robert H. Jackson Center |
The Robert H. Jackson Center was incorporated as a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation in 2001 and is located in Jackson's long-time residence of Jamestown, New York. The Jackson Center exists to preserve the life and legacy of Robert H. Jackson.
Two primary benefactors had the vision that created the Center: Carl M. Cappa and Elizabeth S. Lenna. They both believed that the legacy of this famous "favorite son" of Jamestown needed to be remembered and his ideas advanced for the benefit of future generations. To that end, each contributed $500,000 toward the founding of this institution bearing his name. In addition, the Gebbie Foundation made a similar financial commitment spread over five years to support the operational costs of the center. A home was needed for this new Center and arrangements were made with the Masonic Orders in the Jamestown area to purchase the Scottish Rite Consistory Building, also known as the Alonzo Kent Mansion, which since the 1920's had been the home of several Masonic lodges. An historical account of the mansion has been written by Sarita Hopkins Weeks.
Though a beautiful and elegant old structure, the home was in need of remedial work and over the course of the summer and fall of 2001, $500,000 was spent on restoration. The Sheldon Foundation of Jamestown, made a grant of $100,000 toward these costs which included the insulation and replacement of the existing roof. The choice of making this old, 1860's downtown mansion the home of the Jackson Center was also fitting since Robert H. Jackson had once been a member of the Consistory, had been honored as a 33rd degree Mason, and had been in the building many times.
The Center, which includes a theater and banquet facility constructed from a former Carriage House, is to be expanded and a new archive room will be added to rehouse the Jackson Center's growing collection of artifacts, papers and other historical items related to the life and ideas of Justice Jackson.
The Jackson Center also has two conference rooms, the Jamestown Bar Association room and the Ulysses S. Grant room. The Jamestown Bar Association donated the funds to refurbish and equip the Bar room so that it is available for Continuing Legal Education for lawyers as well as for educational events from local public schools. Robert Jackson was a former President of the Jamestown Bar Association. It is fitting that this local organization of lawyers has a place at the Center to honor his contributions to the local bar.
Now that the Center has been largely renovated, much of the space is made available to the community for community functions and meetings. Plans are in the works for implementing distance learning equipment in the auditorium so that students outside the immediate area of the Jackson Center will still be able to participate in its programs.