The life and contributions of Robert H. Jackson, chief U.S. prosecutor at
the war crimes trial at Nuremberg, will be showcased in a center at the
former Scottish Rite Consistory building, 305 E. Fourth Street, Jamestown.
The local chapter approved the transfer of property to Robert H. Jackson
Inc. at its Monday meeting, pending approval by its national board.
Gregory Peterson, who heads the Robert H. Jackson Center board, credits
local civic leaders Carl Cappa and Betty Lenna with making the museum a
reality. He says the acquisition of the building is the first step in developing
a fitting tribute to one of the most significant historical figures to come
from this area.
“It is almost overwhelming when you take a look at the heights to
which this young farm boy from Frewsburg climbed,” he said.
Born in 1892 in Spring Creek, Pa., Jackson moved to Frewsburg at age 5 and
graduated from Frewsburg High School in 1909. He spent a post-graduate year
at Jamestown High School and opted to forgo college in favor of studying
law with local attorney Fred Mott. He then completed Albany Law School’s
two-year program in a single year.
Upon graduation, Jackson rose through the ranks of local and New York state
civic and professional organizations while building a successful law practice.
It was during this time that Jackson’s accomplishments caught the
attention of then-New York state Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Following Roosevelt’s election as president, Jackson was named general
counsel to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Only a few years later, he earned
an appointment to the Supreme Court. In 1945, President Truman tapped Jackson
to the chief prosecutor’s post at the war crimes trials.
“We now have the opportunity to promote the values of this outstanding
jurist in a setting that helped to shape his character,” Peterson
says, noting that Jackson was a 33rd degree Mason. “The Robert H.
Jackson Center for Peace and Justice will be a living museum, one that will
reach out to the entire community through a wide range of initiatives developed
in cooperation with the Fenton Historical Society, Chautauqua Institution
and schools.”
A dedication ceremony is slated for May.
The building that will house the Robert H. Jackson Center was built as the
home of Alonzo Kent, founder of First National Bank in Jamestown, and was
acquired by Scottish Rite bodies in 1917.
Extensive renovations were made to convert the stables and carriage house
into an auditorium and dining room.