With 100 years of carousel art and history on display, The New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, shares the joy of the nostalgic amusement with student groups. The 33,000-square-foot museum houses more than 100 antique wooden horses, a restoration department and an indoor Venetian carousel.
“Educators and tour operators should include the New England Carousel Museum in their itineraries because it has something for everyone — carousel enthusiasts, history buffs, children, parents or those who are looking to learn about a piece of Americana that they have never thought of before,” said Hannah Einsiedel, reservation and membership coordinator at the museum. “We also offer curriculum-focused, STEAM-based programming for educators who are looking to add a field trip to their lesson plans.”
The museum can accommodate a maximum of 100 students at one time. Most groups spend at least an hour at the museum, but educators should plan for up to three hours if they are including an educational program. Tours and programs focus on topics like history, engineering and the art of carousels.
“We hope that all students take away not only a newfound appreciation for the art and history of carousels that they find outside our walls, but an invigorated intellectual curiosity for the different facets of our nation’s history that are often overlooked,” Einsiedel said.
A visit to the museum isn’t complete without a ride on the carousel, a part of the tour that’s always a favorite among students.
“Students and adults alike also enjoy our 1930 Wurlitzer band organ and watching our restoration artists in action,” Einsiedel said.
While visiting the museum, students also can explore three other museums under the same roof: Museum of Fire History, Museum of Greek Culture and The Fine Art Galleries. Student programming can overlap in those areas, if desired.
For more information on New England Carousel Museum call 860-585-5411 or go to thecarouselmuseum.org.
