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History

A community is fortunate when individuals with resources and vision can come together to create something new and vibrant with exciting potential. So it was when Carl Cappa and Elizabeth Lenna combined their efforts early in 2001 to establish the Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown, New York.

When asked during an oral history interview: "Who was your model in growing up? To whom did you look in establishing the principles by which you lived your life?" Without hesitation Carl said: "Robert Jackson. He was a man of great principle, he came from our hometown; and we should do something to remember him."In Betty Lenna's words: "Carl and I both wanted to do something which could be meaningful for Jamestown and the community. Justice Jackson was a product of this community. He was educated in our public schools, and he carried the values he learned here to the national and international stage. If we could start an institution here in his hometown to preserve and advance his legacy for future generations, it was something we wanted to do."

To back their words up, each of these benefactors committed $500,000 to the cause of establishing the Robert H. Jackson Center. To recognize Carl's vision, shortly before his death last year, the Board of Directors named the auditorium of the new center. the Carl Cappa Theater. For her dedication and commitment to the work of the Robert H. Jackson Center, in March 2002 the Board of Directors established the Elizabeth S. Lenna Fellow program and named Professor John Q. Barrett Esq. of St. John's University Law School to this position.

The Center was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 2001. Through local philanthropy, $1.6 million was raised.
Since our inception, many important events have taken place at the Center.

For a complete record of the events that have occurred or have been sponsored by the Robert H. Jackson Center, click on the "Events" tab at left.