Opened in 2006, the Empire State Carousel is a highlight of any visit to The Farmers' Museum. In the decade since, over a quarter million riders have enjoyed the Empire State Carousel. A favorite for kids of all ages, The Empire State Carousel is currently undergoing a major maintenance restoration to keep it in tip top shape.

The Need:

Each year, it costs The Farmers' Museum approximately $75,000 to run and maintain the Empire State Carousel and the current, major maintenance overhaul will cost an additional $25,000.  We are asking our friends of the carousel to help us raise 10% of the needed funds.

The Project:

This restoration project includes:

• Repairing of the carousel drive and support mechanism, manufactured in 1947
• Replacing worn wooden sweeps, jump cranks, drive gears and bearings
• Modifying the support rods to make them adjustable to allow for fluctuating conditions

This work is being done not only to address wear from over 10 years of constant service at the museum but to improve long-term reliability and operational performance to ensure the ride is maintained in perpetuity for the enjoyment of future generations.

The Carousel:

The Empire State Carousel is a beautiful example of a traditional country fair ride. Called “a museum you can ride on,” it has 25 hand-carved animals representing the agricultural and natural resources found in New York State, and chariot rides of a scallop shell (the State shellfish), an Erie Canal boat, and an original lover’s tub.

Folklore panels and other carved elements depict Uncle Sam and Deerslayer. Portrait panels of such notable figures as Susan B. Anthony, Teddy Roosevelt, Grandma Moses and Jackie Robinson enhance the rounding boards.

Eight-foot curved murals depict moments in New York history, from the arrival of the Half Moon to the construction of Levittown. The hand-carved frames around the mirrors depict 11 different regions of New York, and carved place-names highlight towns all over the state. Even the sweeps of the carousel feature over 300 feet of hand stencils of the bluebird, rose, apple, sugar maple leaf and state map!

First conceived in 1983 by head carver Gerry Holzman, and guided to completion by him, the carousel and its hand-crafted band organ were donated to The Farmers’ Museum by the Empire State Carousel Association.  Featuring original contributions by over 1,000 New York volunteer artisans and artists, it opened on Memorial Day 2006 at The Farmers' Museum.