Guided Tours: Guided tours are available
for groups of 10 or more with advance reservations. They may be scheduled almost any day
and time throughout the year, even when the Museum is not open to the general public.
Tours should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, and all visits are scheduled on
a first come, first served basis.
Tours can be adapted to all ages, from preschool to senior citizen. The price for guided
tours is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children ages 2-12. Tour company
representatives, teachers, and Scout leaders are given complimentary admission
with the group. Tour companies which bring 3 or more bus tours annually are offered a discounted admission rate.
Guided tours last approximately 50-55 minutes for adults and 30-45 minutes for children.
Our docents lead visitors throughout the public spaces in the factory complex, explaining
the history of carousel and band organ production in the Tonawandas and the operation of
this particular factory.
Tour groups view large photo murals mounted throughout the building
showing the factory complex in operation in 1919, as well as the carving shop, the music
roll production shop, and the Lockman Exhibit. All visits end with a ride on either our 1916 #1 Special adult
carousel or our Kiddie Carousel in the Children's Gallery.
Other amenities include a wonderful gift shop, picnic tables outside, handicapped-accessible restrooms and motor
coach parking. For more information, or to schedule a tour, contact the museum at
(716) 693-1885. We would be happy to assist with other arrangements you may require
for your visit to the Tonawandas.
Note: A $25.00 charge will be invoiced for tours which have not been canceled at least
48 hours before the scheduled time of arrival. Please plan to stay a minimum
of one and one half hours, so your guests will have time to see all of our
exhibits and browse in our gift shop.
In School Program: The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum works closely with
schools to interpret appropriate aspects of local history. Speakers will visit classrooms
with artifacts, photos, slides and band organ music. A "Learning Box" is available for
loan in the classroom to be used as a before or after Museum visit.
Speakers are also
available for programs at other sites.