JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Norman Lear, the late developer of numerous hit sitcoms, is the subject of an exhibit at the National Comedy Center, dedicated to his legacy in comedy and civic engagement.

"He was a lifelong advocate for the bedrock of American democracy, starting with the right to vote and you see that depicted in his comedy, in his art," said Journey Gunderson, executive director, National Comedy Center.

What You Need To Know

  •  This is the first political season in more than a century without the presence of Norman Lear

  •  The National Comedy Center in Jamestown has a special exhibit of the legendary writer and producer

  • Lear created such shows as All in the Family, The Jeffersons and Maude

Lear tackled a number of political issues, like equal participation in the democratic process, and used comedy to lead his characters in political conversation.

"What Norman's sitcoms did, perhaps better than anyone has done in the history of comedy, is weave in high level, challenging, sophisticated topics like politics and civic engagement with laughter," said Gunderson.

Martin Swalboski, a fan of Lear and the characters he created, is taking part in early voting ahead of Election Day.

He says Lear's characters like Archie Bunker and Maude are different from the family sitcoms of the 1950s.

"He challenged people," Swalboski said. "The topics are still valid and they're still topics that people are talking about now. Back then, it was sort of something fresh to actually be talking about these things."

Gunderson, who met Lear, says not only was he supportive of the center's mission, but that his groundbreaking television career featured average Americans and their struggles.

"Norman was incredibly kind and engaged, much like the values you see in his comedy," said Gunderson. "He used comedy not just to entertain, but to provoke thought and inspire conversation and advance conversations that are otherwise challenging."