Carousel Museum Collection
In preparation for your year end tax donations, please consider donating to the Carousel Museum's transportation fund! Our permanent collection of carousel animals continues to grow each year. Donations to the collection have come from all over the United States including, Maine, Connecticut, New York, Kansas, Las Vegas, New Jersey, California, and New York. Your support of our transportation fund will help us get these animals to the Museum and into their forever home!
Monthly Wood Carving Education Classes
The Carousel Museum and the Connecticut Wood Carvers invite you to discover the timeless art of wood carving in our monthly educational carving classes. Held on the third Thursday of each month, these hands-on workshops provide a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced carvers alike.
Participants will learn carving techniques, tool safety, wood selection, and finishing methods while creating a unique project to take home. Each month features a different carving theme inspired by nature, folk art, and carousel traditions.
Thursday, September 17
Theme: Carving a Pumpkin
From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This fun and beginner-friendly project is perfect for anyone interested in exploring the craft of wood carving.
Ages 14 and up
All skill levels welcome. Materials included
$20 per class
Whether you are looking to learn a new skill, meet fellow artisans, or enjoy a creative evening, these classes offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the art of traditional wood carving.
Location: The Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010.
Space may be limited, so early registration is encouraged.
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Carousel Museum Lecture Series
Carousel Museum Lecture Series
Join us for the Carousel Museum Lecture Series, featuring engaging talks, special guest speakers, and fascinating stories about carousels, amusement parks, art, history, and the people who helped shape them.
Each lecture offers a chance to learn something new, connect with fellow history and carousel enthusiasts, and discover the stories behind the objects and traditions preserved at the Carousel Museum.
Lectures are open to the public. Museum members attend for free!
Lake Compounce: History Talks!
The Carousel Museum’s September lecture is almost here!
Join us for Lake Compounce: History Talks!
Featuring special guest speaker Megan Major, who will take us behind the scenes at Lake Compounce and share what goes into operating and preserving one of America’s most beloved amusement parks.
This special evening is part of the Carousel Museum’s Lake Compounce: 180 Years of Summer Fun exhibition, celebrating the remarkable history of Lake Compounce—from its beginnings in 1846 to the park families know and love today.
The exhibition features historic photographs, artifacts, documents, memorabilia, and stories that explore the people, attractions, and experiences that have shaped Lake Compounce across generations.
What’s in Your Attic? Show & Tell
Some of the best pieces of history aren’t always found in a museum; instead, they may be hiding in your attic! Following the lecture, we’ll invite visitors to participate in another “What’s in Your Attic?” Show & Tell, inspired by our Lake Compounce exhibition. Bring your Lake Compounce memorabilia, photographs, souvenirs, tickets, advertisements, or other treasures and share your memories and stories with us. Whether it’s an old photograph, a souvenir from a childhood visit, or something you’ve kept for decades and never quite knew the story behind, your treasures can help us uncover and preserve Lake Compounce's history.
📅 Thursday, September 3rd
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 The Carousel Museum
🍪 Light refreshments will be served
Admission: Included with regular museum admission.
Museum members attend free!
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