A stone building with green trim features a sign for the Jell-O Museum, including an image of a vintage delivery truck. A green staircase leads to a porch adorned with colorful flowers. The yard is landscaped with bushes and plants. A lawn and pathway are in the foreground.

Jello, Is It Me You’re Looking For?

Posted on by Bryan Lawrence
Table of Contents

Pre Game

With 38 minutes of Wiggle room, I arrived at the Jello Museum from Jamestown at 3:22 PM. I was a little concerned that there may not be enough time to take in all the glory of gelatin. However, the young woman behind the counter assured me, “Oh, you’re fine.”

About the Museum

The Jello Museum is nestled in the town of LeRoy, New York, it stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of one of America’s most beloved desserts. Indeed, this fascinating institution is wholly dedicated to preserving the rich history of Jello.

My Journey Began

Upon entering, I realized I wasn’t the only one here. Around the corner, I could hear another more serious woman talking loudly. (No doubt a member of the Jello Museum Board of Trustees.)

She was with a couple, who I believe were from Arizona. She was answering their questions on Jello when I turned the corner and ran into them. I was dismissed quickly.

To which I responded, ” Oh I’m ok. I’m just looking.” I didn’t have this time for chit-chat.

Giraf-Free

I immediately headed for the back left corner. The Giraffe section seemed like a safe space and as good as any place to start. It was here I encountered the mold section.

Jello molds are those delightful shapes that transform the simple dessert into works of art. From simple ring molds to more elaborate designs, these kitchen tools have helped home cooks create eye-catching centerpieces for decades.

The Giraffe
Queen of the Molds
The Molds

After examining the molds, I wandered around in a somewhat random fashion. I first explored the advertising and marketing tools used over the years, then moved on to some history about Jello, as well as the factory and distribution of this gelatin delight. I snapped many a photo, mainly so I could “read” some of them later, given the shortness of my time here. I still had a 3-hour plus drive home, plenty of time for some reading.

Jello Girl

Jello Girl grabbed my attention.

Jello Girl Exercises
Jello Girl
Jello Guy
The Jello Girl
A colorful cow statue on a deck, adorned with images of buildings, landscapes, and a Jello logo, stands proudly. The cow wears painted roller skates and is set under a sunny, tree-lined setting beside a white house with lush greenery in the background at the Jello Museum.

Leroy Travel History

Not only did you get to feast your eyes on the jiggly wonders of the Jello Museum, but there’s a hidden gem lurking below. You descend into the basement, where you find a Travel History Museum that’s all about Leroy, NY. So, come for the Jello, stay for the riveting tales of Leroy’s past.

Leroy’s Historical Silo

“Watch it Wiggle, See it Jiggle”

– Bill Cosby

In Conclusion

I wish I had paid more attention to the time when I left and whether I was given extra Jello time beyond 4 PM, but I didn’t. It was now time to head home via the Turning Stone Casino. GPS said 4 and a half hours until home, which seemed excessive.

I then noticed that it was avoiding I-90. It occurred to me that when I was in Toronto, I had set Waze to avoid toll roads after inadvertently merging onto an EZ-Pass style highway. ( I imagine that THIS will show up on my next visit to Canada, a fugitive from a toll.)

Back in the States, I never changed that setting. Therefore I’m sure I saw more of the back roads and Dollar stores from Letchworth to Jamestown to Leroy than I probably would have had to. Ces’t la Vie.