Today on National Carousel Day, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is launching a new crowdfunding campaign to raise $100,000 for the restoration of the iconic and fan favorite Broad Ripple Park Carousel, deemed a National Historic Landmark.  

Complete with 42 beautifully painted and carved animals, twinkling lights across a starry night sky and the classic sounds of the Wurlitzer organ, the 108-year-old Carousel delights over half a million riders each year. Only about 150 of the 3,500 carousels built by American companies from the 1880s to the 1930s remain – and only a fraction are still operational today.  

Every donation to the Carousel Crowdfunding Campaign – regardless of size – will help The Children's Museum restore and preserve the Carousel for even more generations of magical rides. Significant restorations are needed, including:  

• Refurbishing, thoroughly inspecting and expertly deep cleaning the hand-painted and carved animals to restore them beyond their former glory;  

• Enhancing operations of the Carousel’s mechanical system and the 18 jumpers;  

• And much more to restore, preserve and protect the Carousel to spin into the museum’s second century.  

Interested donors can click here to submit their donations and can also submit via “teams” led by selected Carousel Champions. Donations of all sizes are welcome to help preserve the Carousel for even more generations of magical rides. 

“Our beloved Carousel is more than just a ride – it’s a source of magic and joy for so many children and their families, and it is a piece of our rich history that we are dedicated to preserving,” said Jennifer Pace Robinson, president and CEO. “These essential funds are not just to restore our 
Carousel’s capabilities and physical appearance, but to restore our visitors’ cherished memories and allow families to create new ones throughout our next 100 years. We're excited to call upon our community and those who have experienced the Carousel’s magic to help us achieve this goal.” 

The Carousel Crowdfunding Campaign will culminate at the Second Century Soiree on Aug. 22, a once-in-a-lifetime black-tie, adults-only fundraising event honoring 100 years of unforgettable impact in our community – and igniting the possibilities of the next hundred. Tickets for this spectacular night of celebration are available here. 

The Carousel originally opened at the White City Amusement Park (later named Broad Ripple Park) in 1917 during a time of segregation, when only White families were permitted to ride. When the building that housed it collapsed in 1956, the rotating machinery was destroyed, but thankfully most of the animals remained intact. The Children’s Museum acquired the animals and parts in 1965, but it took another 10 years before full restoration efforts took effect.  

Finally, in 1975, a new Mangels-Illions mechanism and a newly constructed platform – installed via crane on the top floor of the museum! – was put into place, and one by one, the horses, giraffes, goats, reindeer, a lion and a tiger found a new home for all children and families to ride. More information about the history of the Carousel can be found here. 

With your donations, you can ensure the Carousel continues to merrily go ‘round and ‘round into our next century! Visit the donation page to learn more and donate.

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About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis      

We ignite joy, wonder and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org and follow us on social media @childrensmuseum.   The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP, and The Heritage Group.