Yes, The Jell-O Museum Actually Exists. Here's Where You Can Find It
When it comes to museums in America, there really is something for everyone. Of course, world-renowned art and science museums come to mind, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Getty in Los Angeles, and The Kennedy Space Center in Florida, per Forbes. But go ahead and name your hobby or interest; chances are, there's a museum that fits the bill. Do you dig SPAM? Head to Austin, Minnesota, to visit the SPAM Museum. Do you maintain that Bigfoot is legit? Hang with other believers at the Bigfoot Discovery Project in Felton, California.
As obscure as a topic or fad might be, there seems to always be someone who can fill a building (big or small) with info, trivia, history, photos, and memorabilia. And people always seem to come. This is especially true when it comes to specific foods that people adore. For instance, who wouldn't love a tour of the Hershey museum in Pennsylvania? Or the pizza museum, known as Pizza Brain, in Philadelphia? There is even a haven devoted to "America's Favorite Dessert," that wiggly, wobbly, sweet, and fruity confection known as Jell-O (via travel site, Tripping).
Lots to know about Jell-O
Located between the Greater Niagara Region and Rochester areas of New York, the Jell-O museum resides in LeRoy. Per The Buffalo News, it opened in 1997 and offers visitors a look into the history of the dessert that Americans have loved for decades. According to Jello Gallery, the story of Jell-O begins in 1845 when Peter Cooper patented a product that was "set" with gelatin, which never took off in America. 52 years later, LeRoy-based carpenter, Pearle Wait, experimented with gelatin while developing a cough remedy and laxative tea. He unwittingly came up with a fruit-flavored dessert which his wife named Jell-O. After unsuccessfully marketing the product himself, he sold the trademark in 1899 for a very low sum, considering how successful Jell-O eventually became. The buyer eventually sold the business himself for an even lower amount of money.
Jell-O finally began to see success beginning in 1900 under the ownership of Andrew Samuel Nico and highly due to a successful advertising campaign. With features in Ladies Home Journal and attention from artists such as Norman Rockwell, Jell-O began to be enjoyed in millions of kitchens in America. It was produced in its hometown of LeRoy until 1967, when the company moved to Dover, Delaware.
More than just history
Aside from the fascinating history of Jell-O, patrons are able to wander the quaint museum and discover things like who eats the most Jell-O? What is the most-loved flavor? Why did the inventor sell the rights to Jell-O for $450? Visitors will see dozens of antique Jell-O molds, advertising art, toys, as well as countless keepsakes (Jello Gallery). Per Uncovering New York, there is also a section of the museum that showcases some of the uniforms and machinery that were used in the original factory.
Additionally, there are features and activities specifically designed for children. In the gift shop, visitors can show their Jell-O pride by choosing from a variety of Jell-O-themed t-shirts, kitchenware, and toys and can pick up packages of their favorite Jell-O flavors. The place offers a nostalgic experience for kids and adults of all ages that may be worth making room for on your holiday or weekend schedule. After all, let's not forget that there's always room for J-E-L-L-O.