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PRESERVING & SHARING CARNIVAL HISTORY
VINTAGE RIDES & GAMES
On display is a mid-century, 1950 Allan Herschell American Beauty Carousel donated by Jim Frederiksen. The horses are made of cast iron-aluminum, which is one reaason they have survived over the last 85 years.
EARLY FERRIS WHEEL
One of the first operational Ferris Wheels in the United States. The Conderman Ferris Wheel is the tallest exhibit. It was built in 1903 and donated by the Wheelock Family in 1988. Patrons cannot ride the attraction, but can admire the mannequins in many of its carts.
ANTIQUE COSTUMES
A variety of costumes, including one worn by Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous burlesque dancer known for her witty and sophisticated striptease performances in the early to mid-20th century.
ARCHIVAL PHOTOGRAPH & ARTIFACT
COLLECTION
Thousands of rare photographs, artifacts, posters, and a large miniature recreation of a carnival midway.
THE WEIRD & THE WONDERFUL
The Two-Headed Baby, the monkey girl, the half-girl, and the four-legged girl were all side-shows. The Two-Headed Baby was usually a human fetus with two heads embalmed in a glass jar of formaldehyde. The museum features several preserved oddities in formaldehyde.
WALL OF DEATH
Vintage Wall of Death motorcycle, clothing worn by riders, photographs, posters and a video compilation of the gravity-defying carnival stunt, are all on display.
VINTAGE VEHICLES
On display, on the exterior grounds, are show wagons and vehicles used in transporting the carnival from venue to venue. Inside, a vintage Ford pickup and an original carriage are displayed.
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