John W. Jones Museum

John W. Jones Museum Our museum highlights the history of African Americans who settled in Elmira, New York and the activity of local abolitionists.

The museum will highlight the history of African Americans who settled in the Southern Tier of New York and the activity of local abolitionists. The museum will emphasize Elmira’s role as the only regular agency and published station on the Underground Railroad between Philadelphia and St. Catherine, Canada, and explore Mr. Jones’ community involvement and his relationship with his contemporaries.

Historically, the house was the private residence of John W. Jones and his family, changed ownership several times, and was last used as rental property that fell into disrepair. Condemned by the City of Elmira in 1997, Lucy Brown brought it to the public’s attention and with a group of concerned citizens, saved it from demolition. The building currently stands on Jones’ original farm property and the site will continue to be visually interpreted as a farm.

06/13/2026

John W. Jones Annex Grand Opening

Happening this month! Rain or shine, we will be hosting the Grand opening & Ribbon Cutting for The Annex!
06/01/2026

Happening this month! Rain or shine, we will be hosting the Grand opening & Ribbon Cutting for The Annex!

Be apart of history!! These Bricks would make a great Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthday, Anniversary, etc. gift that ...
04/21/2026

Be apart of history!!

These Bricks would make a great Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthday, Anniversary, etc. gift that will live forever at the John W. Jones Museum and be a part of Elmira history!

The museum is closed for the season! See you in 2026
09/15/2025

The museum is closed for the season! See you in 2026

We want to give our new friend Jesse a big shout out!! Jesse spent time with Stanley, our building and grounds keeper, t...
06/27/2025

We want to give our new friend Jesse a big shout out!! Jesse spent time with Stanley, our building and grounds keeper, teaching him about the best way to prune our peach tree!!

Thank you so much Jesse!!

John W. Jones was a sexton at the former First Baptist Church located at 121 W. Church St. for 45+ years.This is a devas...
02/18/2025

John W. Jones was a sexton at the former First Baptist Church located at 121 W. Church St. for 45+ years.

This is a devastating loss to our community and a devastating loss to history.

This is a developing story, and it will be updated as more information becomes available. Update (2/14): Elmira Fire Chief Andrew Mallow has provided more updates on the fire that occurred at the f…

This exhibit is a MUST SEE! https://rockwellmuseum.org/exhibitions-collections/exhibits-collections/stephentowns/Stephen...
10/09/2024

This exhibit is a MUST SEE!

https://rockwellmuseum.org/exhibitions-collections/exhibits-collections/stephentowns/

Stephen took time to come and visit the John W. Jones Museum recently and we are so grateful he did! Now be sure to check us both out!!

Pictures of his visit in the comments!

Inspired by Black American History, Stephen Towns creates paintings and quilts that bring often hidden stories back into the light. In Towns’ most recent series, he explores Paradise Park, a segregated park in mid-20th century Silver Springs, Florida. Connecting the photographs and the stories of ...

There is still time to get your tickets!! We have extended the RSVP date, so reserve your tickets as soon as possible. B...
08/27/2024

There is still time to get your tickets!! We have extended the RSVP date, so reserve your tickets as soon as possible. Buy tickets via PayPal or send your check and request to John W Jones Museum, PO Box 932, Elmira, NY 14902. Please state your name and number of tickets requested. You can pick up your ticket(s) at the door the evening of the event.

Cocktail attire requested!

10/21/2023

Address

PO Box 932
Elmira, NY
14902

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 5pm
Wednesday 12pm - 5pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 5pm
Saturday 12pm - 5pm

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