Boat and water sports museum. Also a venue for parties/weddings/functions Our mission is to preserve the boating history and the physical presence of the Lawson family on Chautauqua Lake; educate and enrich people’s lives through this reflection of the past; and reach out to children and adults by providing historic and educational boating exhibits and photographs, hands-on displays and classes with workshops teaching the traditions and skills of the past with respect to wooden boat building. In addition, the Lawson Center provides a community focal point for events and showcases the area’s rich boating heritage.