This summer the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum has two exciting summer camp offerings for children. Parents can enjoy mornings off while children learn about life before Ipods and the internet. Campers will take part in numerous activities that explore different aspects of this part of our community’s past. Each day of camp includes a mini-tour of part of the museum, one or more hands-on craft activities, play time in our hands-on Children’s Gallery, and a ride on one of our historic carrousels. Each camp runs from 9:00am – 12:00pm daily, and is just $30 per child ($25 for Carousel Society Members).
Classic Carrousels Camp
Monday – Friday, July 23 – 27
Entering or completed Grades 3 – 5
Each day participants will examine a different topic related to the history, math, science, and art of carrousels and amusement rides. Campers will learn about the medieval origins of carrousels, discover how carvers created beautiful wooden animals, find out how gears power many amusement devices, explore the music of band organs, and experiment with some of the Herschell company’s later rides.
Carrousels Through the Ages Camp
Monday – Friday, August 13 – 17
Entering or completed Grades K – 2
The Herschell companies created unique carrousels and other amusement rides in Western New York for almost a century. From the first carrousel in 1883 until the company moved to Kansas in 1970, carrousels—and society—changed greatly. In this camp, explore what life was like for children during the different eras, from the Victorian period through the 1950s. Make crafts, play games, and look at amusement rides from different decades in this unique camp.
Reservations and prepayment are required at least three days before the desired camp; call 716-693-1885 or download a registration form from www.carrouselmuseum.org. Enrollment is limited to 20 students per camp, so register early to secure your place!
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is housed in the historic Allan Herschell Company Factory building at 180 Thompson Street, North Tonawanda. For directions and further information about special events, programs, or group tours, visit our web site: www.carrouselmuseum.org or contact us at 716-693-1885 or info@carrouselmuseum.org.
