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We are located at 180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda, NY 14120.
Our phone is 716-693-1885.
Our email is
info@carrouselmuseum.org
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
is located in the original Allan Herschell
Company factory complex at 180 Thompson Street in North Tonawanda, New York.
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The building, which is listed on both the New York State and
National Registers
of Historic Sites, is a series of seven interconnected structures which once housed
all of the manufacturing components of the factory. The Allan Herschell Company
shipped its first ride from this factory complex in 1916.
The Museum: was opened
to the public in July of 1983 operating the 1916
Allan Herschell carousel in the original roundhouse. Since 1988, the entire first
floor has been open with exhibits and demonstrations that interpret the operation
of the factory. |
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Today, the Museum hosts approximately 15,000 visitors per year and offers a variety
of programming. We have a paid staff of four, a dedicated active Board of Trustees,
and many loyal volunteers
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who serve as carousel operators, gift shop clerks, admissions greeters
and maintenance personnel, contributing greatly to our mission.
Programs include: Woodcarving classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels,
classes for young people, a summer lecture series, and guided tours for groups of all
ages. The museum exhibits the history and growth of the Herschell Companies,
demonstrates carving, horse restoration and band organ roll production, and operates
two antique carousels.
We also host family entertainment several Sundays during the summer, with
performances as diverse as youth theatre, interactive poetry, magic, music and puppetry.
Special programs for young people include a Youth Volunteer Program which encourages
youngsters ages 12 to 18 to experience the positive aspects of volunteering, and a
Neighborhood Partners Program for local elementary school children which provides
special free visits to the museum.
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
has
become a focal center of cultural and recreational opportunities for local citizens
as well as tourists visiting the Tonawandas.
Adjacent to the site of the Museum, the City of North Tonawanda has developed
a linear walking/bike trail along a two-block section of the former New York Central
Railroad right-of- way. In addition to walking and biking, there is space for
public events such as craft shows, band organ rallies and outdoor public performances.
This landscaped "Heritage Trail" connects the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
with the Railroad Museum site on Oliver Street. The trail continues, by
means of signage, to the Riviera Theatre in downtown North Tonawanda and to
the banks of the Erie Canal.
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All material, graphics and
content on these webpages are copyrighted by
the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, Wizard Communication Systems, and those
individuals that have contributed photographs and other materials to the
Museum.
Design and Hosting of the
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
Web Pages provided by
Wizard Communication Systems,
Inc.
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