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!
Revelatory Talks: A Lecture Series
Dive into an invigorating discussion with Patricia Kelly, the esteemed Executive Director of the unparalleled Ebony Horsewoman, Inc. Nestled in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, the EHI stands as a unique urban equestrian oasis, a beacon of hope and healing since 1984.
EHI, more than just a riding center, is a sanctuary where Hartford's vibrant community - the spirited youth, dedicated families, resilient adults, and our honorable military veterans - come together, finding solace and strength through the power of equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapeutic riding.
Experience an extraordinary array of youth programs, designed to foster empowerment and growth. The Ebony Horsewomen are more than a community fixture; they are a testament to the transformative power of human-animal connection. Embark on this journey with us and become part of a legacy that changes lives, one stride at a time.
Delve into a captivating presentation with the master carver himself, Bob Yorburg, who not only shapes wood but also shapes the narrative of carousel history. As the esteemed President of the Carousel Organ Association of America, Yorburg possesses a wealth of knowledge that he's eager to share.
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Join us on a mesmerizing journey through the past, tracing the footprints of Jewish and immigrant carousel carvers at the dawn of the 20th Century. Discover how their artistry, imbued with the rich textures of their diverse cultures, helped shape the American carousel industry, turning it into the iconic symbol it is today.
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This is an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the monumental contributions these artists made, chiseling away at their dreams in a new land. With each turn of the carousel, a story from an era gone by comes alive - a testament to the spirit of the immigrant artisans who left an indelible mark on American culture. Experience this enchanting journey with us, a merry-go-round of history, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Fire Chief Edward Casares, Jr. was a 33-year member of the Hartford Fire Department retiring in 2013. Chief Casares Joined the Hartford Fire Department in 1980 as a result of a lawsuit after the tragic death of 12-year-old Julio Lozada in Hartford’s Clay Hill neighborhood. He is a current a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Latin American Section, and, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Metro Fire Chiefs, National Association of Hispanic Firefighters and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Goodwin University.
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Chief Casares previously served as Commissioner and Chairman of the Hartford Redevelopment Agency; Hartford Democratic Town Committee in the Sixth (6th) District. The Julio Lozada Park renewal project, The Salvation Army Advisory Board, CREC Public Safety Academy Advisory Board, and Leadership Greater Hartford Board of Directors.
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Chief Casares has been awarded the 2006 Maria C. Sanchez Leadership award, and has received proclamations from Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and the Mayors of Hartford, and Miami Florida.
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Chief Casares is a 2008 Graduate of the Dr. Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute (EDI) and a graduate of Leadership Greater Hartford’s Summit program. He graduated from Goodwin University with an Associates of Science Degree in Homeland Security and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, Alabama. Edward lives in Hartford’s Southwest neighborhood with his wife Ines of 47 years.
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Cate Mahoney, the Carousel Museum Subject Specialist, as she unravels the enchanting tale of trailblazing women in the carousel industry. Get ready to be captivated by the untold stories of these remarkable women who left an indelible mark on the carving shops and amusement parks that thrived under their skilled hands.
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Discover the hidden heroines who breathed life into intricate wooden designs and kept the carousel magic spinning. From the bustling carving shops to the vibrant amusement parks, these unsung legends played a vital role in creating joy and wonder for generations to come.
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Prepare to be amazed by their creativity, determination, and unwavering passion as Mahoney sheds light on their contributions. This isn't just a presentation—it's an invitation to step into the vibrant world of carousel artistry, where the women who shaped its destiny will inspire and delight you.
Join us for this engaging and empowering event as we celebrate the resilience and talent of the women who wove their magic into the fabric of the carousel industry. Let their stories ignite your imagination and leave you in awe of their lasting legacy. Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting carousel journey they embarked upon, leaving a lasting imprint on the carousel's mesmerizing swirl of colors and motion.
Funds Provided by:
Main Street Community Foundation
Bristol Brass General Grant Fund
Fuller and Myrtle Barnes Fund for Education
Jay and Elizabeth Tyrrel Fund for the Arts
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Connecticut Humanities (CTH) is an independent, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.
