In the latest episode of the “Daily Variety” podcast, Journey Gunderson, the executive director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, N.Y., discusses the significance of having a dedicated institution for the study of comedy. Jamestown, known as Lucille Ball’s hometown, is set to be filled with humor as the center hosts the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival from August 7-9, featuring performances by Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer, and Seth Meyers.
For 15 years, Gunderson has been pivotal in leading the nonprofit National Comedy Center. She became part of what was then the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown in 2011. By 2018, the organization had expanded to form the National Comedy Center, which now houses the archives of comedy legends George Carlin, Carl Reiner, and Mel Brooks.
For decades, Lucy’s hometown has attracted top comedians, even before the center’s establishment. Today, visiting stars can explore the center and appreciate its uniqueness among cultural institutions.
Gunderson remarks, “I do think that sets us apart from any other city that an artist is touring and performing within. And the word has gotten out in the artist community that you have to make ample time to traverse the galleries of the National Comedy Center when you come and perform at the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown.” She fondly recalls giving tours to comedians, noting Jon Stewart’s reaction when he visited before headlining the festival last year. Stewart expressed that no one had previously created a museum dedicated to telling the story of comedy as an art form.
The festival attracts visitors nationwide, many traveling long distances to attend. The event’s growing momentum has elevated the center’s profile, further emphasized by Mel Brooks’ decision to entrust his papers and memorabilia to the center.
Gunderson explains, “We knew there was a void of anybody taking responsibility for conservation and preservation in this way. Most people agree that comedy history is important, but also assume that important things somehow get saved automatically and they don’t. Preservation does not happen passively. Someone has to decide to preserve something before it’s lost. And that is why we built the National Archive. There’s an urgency to this conservation work as well, so that it can be around for future generations to learn from.”
Brooks’ archive alone includes over 150,000 documents and more than 5,000 photographs, offering insights into how his comedic style evolved and was influenced by his surroundings.
“From a very early age, Mel Brooks knew how to wield comedy to take back power. His ability to fearlessly satirize the atrocities of war and the horrors of humanity not only helped heal a post-World War II nation, it’s a playbook we want future generations to have. This is a method of processing. It’s a method of grieving. But it’s also a way of taking power back from a situation. And Mel Brooks could blend what some might consider lowbrow slapstick with highbrow satire like no other. And I’m glad he’s still doing it to this day.”
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