Our founder, Dave Lawson, passed away on November 27, 2022. He touched so many lives around Chautauqua Lake for all of his 89 years and has left behind a beautiful legacy – The Lawson Center. The Lawson Center will hold a celebration of life event on Sunday, May 28th, 2023, from 2-4pm. All are invited. […]
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The Lawson Center Boat Museum
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Burning the Mortgage!
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Craig Butler and the amazing generosity of our many supporters, we were able to pay off our mortgage. Craig is pictured here handing the check over to Cathy Kerr of M&T Bank. Because we are now debt-free, we will be able to continue and expand our exhibits and learning opportunities and serve our community well into the future.
The 2024 Summer Starter Party
Save the date for our 2024 Summer Starter Party on June 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 at the Museum. Enjoy Wine, Beer, Food and music with your friends and neighbors. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by mail or via this web site. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets.
Our Latest News
Spearfishing Lecture Attracts a Crowd
Ned Ward entertained and enlightened a nice crowd with his lecture on the history of spearfishing and the use of fish decoys on Lake Chautauqua. As usual, he provided an in-depth look at the social and economic forces driving this thriving 19th and early 20th-century industry. The audience enjoyed a wonderful social hour with appetizers […]
Long Point Lecture
We had a wonderful turnout for Marla Connelly's lecture on the history and future of Long Point. Created by a glacier, Long Point has been a prominent feature of our lake forever. Marla entertained a crowd with stories about the people who owned the land on and around the point, how it became a New […]
New Member Docking Benefit
For our members: Register your boat with us and use our docks any time you’re in Bemus Point–whether the museum is open or not. Now you can enjoy the shopping and dining while you’re boat is safely docked at the TLC. Click on the red “READ MORE” button below for a link to the printable […]