There’s something powerful about transformation. About taking what was once fading and breathing new life into it. That’s exactly what’s happening in Jamestown, PA, and it all began two years ago when two women set out to save the historic Gibson House Manor.
With guidance from the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern Ohio, they formed a nonprofit and launched a $1 million Capital Campaign to purchase, preserve, and reimagine the property. Thanks to 62 generous families, foundations, businesses, and passionate volunteers, the Gibson House Manor now thrives as a museum, café, and gift shop — welcoming guests from near and far.
But this is more than one building’s story. Jamestown is coming back to life. New businesses are opening along Liberty Street. Parking lots are full. The town is becoming an economic engine for the region, and we have a bold goal: 10,000 visitors in 2025.
We’ve modeled our tour experience after Fallingwater in Fayette County, which now brings 60,000+ visitors annually to the tiny town of Mill Run. Like the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, our mission goes beyond one site. We aim to protect and revitalize other historic buildings throughout Mercer County—turning them into centers for education, culture, and community growth.
We’re currently hiring tour guides and other positions at the Manor. We’re recruiting new contributors to the Capital Campaign who might also want to serve on our board of directors. We’re also actively looking for other facilities and venues that want to partner to connect visitors across Mercer and Crawford Counties.
Just this week, a visitor from Arizona walked through the Manor for the first time since childhood and he promised to return. These moments remind us: preserving history creates a powerful future!
If you’d like to get involved, contribute, or partner with us, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.
Now for the rest of the story:
1. Two of our board members have been featured in Timeless Tribute in the Record Argus newspaper. The latest one is Mr. Jim Brown, our Vice Chair of Finance and also our very favorite Mark Twain impersonator. Jim is not an actor, but a true historian who found the life and times of Samuel Clemens so fascinating, that he has been studying him and his writing since Jim served in Vietnam as an Army officer. Though he does not do it as often as he used to, you can still visit with Mr. Clemens most Saturdays during our tours. Make sure to ask the Visitor’s Center when you make your reservations. Congratulations and thank you, Jim, for bringing your brand of historic education and Mark Twain’s sarcasm and wit to the Manor. Article by Earl Corp is dated April 30, 2025.
2. We are featuring our Underground Railroad Tours at the Manor every day from 11 am to 2 pm (including a nice lunch, beverage, and dessert). We have also decided to serve Brunch with our Tours on Sundays for the same price. Make your reservation by calling or texting 724.456.4983. We take reservations as far out as January 2026. And our new and improved web site will allow you to purchase tickets out even farther.
3. In May we have a Plant, Garden and Home Décor Sale on Saturday May 3rd, a Ladies Leadership Luncheon on May 9th, a special Lunch Buffet for Thiel Graduates and their Families on Saturday, May 10th, a wonderful Mother’s Day Luncheon on Sunday May 11th, a wonderful International Dinner featuring an authentic German menu on Saturday May 17th (delicious pork schnitzel and mashed potatoes and 12 other menu items) and a British High Tea on Friday May 23rd. Again, reservations are critical. Call or text Kathy at 724.456.4983.
4. We have more private events and private group tours in May than we had in December. A first for us. You may reserve the Manor for your private events after our Tour Day wraps up each day. We are hosting corporations, organizations, churches and private family birthday parties, weddings and vow renewals, First Holy Communion lunches and anniversaries fully catered. We expect that will continue as more and more people realize that the Manor serves wonderful food and beverages in a gracious setting at a reasonable price. Again, call the Visitor’s Center to inquire about dates. We have private events scheduled into 2026.
5. Donations of newspaper articles, valuable first edition books, furniture and fixtures have been brought to the Manor from an incredibly generous community. A huge thank you to all of you who trust that the Manor will preserve and protect your family heirlooms if we accept them.
6. June and July are lining up to be equally busy. We hope you can find a way to join us for an event or two every month. Our latest calendar of events is downloadable here.
Thank you Jamestown, PA, Mercer County. and Crawford County businesses and organizations for your support, guidance and generosity. AFB MMS BEJ