Jamestown (CSI) – Every summer, the Stutsman County Memorial Museum invites the community to step back in time through its popular Front Porch Chats. Held each Sunday at 2 p.m. from early June through the end of August, these lively gatherings feature local historians and craftsmen who share stories, skills, and traditions that shaped our pioneer heritage. The programs are free and open to the public, and the museum’s front porch provides a welcoming, shaded setting that captures the spirit of community life from a century ago.

The museum itself is housed in the historic Lutz Mansion, built in 1907 by prominent Jamestown businessman George Lutz. A striking example of Collegiate Gothic architecture, the mansion holds four floors of carefully preserved artifacts that tell the story of the region’s past—ranging from railroad and military items to household, agricultural, medical, and archaeological collections. The building is fully air-conditioned and handicapped accessible, ensuring comfort for all visitors.

In addition to the Chats, the museum grounds feature a gazebo (bandstand), modeled after the historic structure that once stood in Jamestown’s NP Railroad Park. The gazebo is available for community events and celebrations for a nominal fee and is also handicapped accessible.

The site is part of the Jamestown Talking Trails program, which offers eight recorded stations that guide visitors through the museum’s highlights and stories.

The combination of the Front Porch Chats, the historic mansion, and the community-focused features make the Stutsman County Memorial Museum a place where history continues to connect people across generations.