HERSCHELL CARROUSEL FACTORY MUSEUM
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Museums Announces passing of Long-time volunteer Donald "Don" Larrabee

5/24/2023

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It is with great sadness that the museum announces the passing of Donald "Don Larrabee. Don was a kind person who was a stable of the museum's maintenance team. His passion for his local community was only surpassed by his love for his family. Below is his Obituary, as printed by the Niagara Gazette:
      Donald Howard Larrabee, 81, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on July 8, 1941, the son of Howard and Mildred (Owler) Larrabee. Don graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1959 before serving in the United States Navy. He went on to receive his AAS in Chemistry from NCCC. Don spent most of his career at TAM Ceramics until his retirement in 2003.
Don and his wife Suzanne (Hickox) Larrabee were married on March 10, 1962, and together they were blessed with three children. The couple settled in Niagara Falls but continued to spend many of their summer days at the family property on Lake Ontario. The pair built their retirement home on that property and Don enjoyed his daily walks along the beach.
Don was a long-time member of Pierce Avenue Presbyterian Church until it disbanded and now is a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Youngstown, NY. For many years, Don was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America acting as Institutional Representative with the troops at Pierce Avenue Presbyterian Church. He also was an amateur radio operator, WB2UQA, and member of Lockport ARA. Don was a skilled handyman and tinkerer and put his skilled hands to use supporting the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in his retirement. He was also a member of the Vintage Aircraft Group that is now associated with the Niagara Aerospace Museum. Don's love of planes and flying resulted in him getting his private pilot's license at age 55. Don and Sue loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to beautiful destinations with beloved friends and family.
Don is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his three children, Diana J. Larrabee (Lawrence Williams), William D. Larrabee (Elizabeth), and Beth S. Keiper (Keith); and five grandchildren, Matthew, Owen, Jacob, James and Addison. He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Mildred Larrabee, and his sister and brother-in-law, Carole and James VanOrman. Don is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Don was loved and cherished by many and will be missed.
Calling hours will be held on THURSDAY from 3-7 PM. at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC., 3648 Ransomville Rd., Ransomville, NY 14131. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM. on FRIDAY at St. John Lutheran Church, 420 Lockport St., Youngstown, NY 14174. Burial will be in Niagara Falls Memorial Park.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, PO Box 365, Youngstown, NY 14174, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, 180 Thompson Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120, or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com
https://obituaries.niagara-gazette.com/obituary/donald-larrabee-1087994644​
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Local Carver Donates Chess Set to Middle School

5/22/2023

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Gary Dahlstrom, a local carver and member of the Niagara Frontier Carving Club, donated his hand carved chess set to a middle school in the Grand Island School District. The chess set was on display at the museum for the 2022 season.

​For more information, click the link here or below.

https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/featured/2023/05/20/155616/woodcarver-donates-chess-set-to-middle-school​

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Press Release-Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum joins Museums For All

4/26/2023

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[4/26/2023] 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
IMLS Press Contact Erica Jaros EJaros@imls.gov
ACM Press Contact Alison Howard, 703-224-3100 x102 Alison.Howard@ChildrensMuseums.org
HCFM Press Contact Ian Seppala, 716-693-1885 director@carrouselmuseum.org
 
[Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum]Announces Access Program for Low-Income Families Museums for All to increase accessibility of high-quality museum learning resources. 

[North Tonawanda]—Today Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum announced that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum for a minimal fee of $3.00 per person, up to six people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 850 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all audiences. 

Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also raise public awareness about how museums in the U.S. are reaching their entire communities. More than 850 institutions participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

About Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) The Association of Children's Museums (ACM) champions children's museums worldwide. With more than 460 members in 50 states and 16 countries, ACM leverages the collective knowledge of children's museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Learn more at www.childrensmuseums.org.

About the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum (HCFM) ​The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, operated by the Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier, is a premier national historic site and community resource for family recreation and learning that fosters an appreciation for the unique heritage of the carousel and related industries in the Niagara Region. To learn more, visit www.carrouselmuseum.org

​
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Director announced as ASIWNY 2023 Medalist

4/24/2023

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Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Director Ian K. Seppala has been announced as part of the inaugural group to participate in Art Services Initiative of Western New York's MEDAL Program. The MEDAL (Molding Executives and Directors as Arts Leaders) program is a six month program for executives within the first three years of their role. For a complete list of the 10 MEDALISTs and more about the program, follow the link below!
https://www.asiwny.org/2023/04/24/meet-our-2023-medalists/

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Spectrum Visits the museum to promote 2023 Season Opening

4/3/2023

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Spectrum News Reporter Revathi Janaswamy visited the museum to discuss the opening of the 2023 season, and the opening weekend event, Super Hero Day. Director Ian K. Seppala is noted in stating: “We have four new interactive exhibits and displays for people and a new exhibit on how we're restoring [the] carousel and we're just able to give people a more inside look this year and changed out some of the horses and things so people can see some stuff they haven't seen in a while.”

To read the article or watch the video visit: 
​
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2023/03/29/herschell-carrousel-factory-museum-opens-for-season
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Museum Featured in List of Factory Tours

3/25/2023

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Victor Block on theepoctimes.com mentioned the museum in his Vacation and Lean Factory Tours article, linked here. The museum was mentioned along with Mardi Gras World and Hershey's Chocolate World. 
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Photo By Kristin G.
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Museum named by Travel Pulse as one of 21 Spring Break Travel Ideas

2/22/2023

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HCFM was named as one of the attractions to see while at visiting Niagara Falls for Spring Break. The Lockport locks were also mentioned. A Niagara Falls vacation came in at number three on the list. To read more about a Spring Break vacation to the region, or check out who else made the list, click here or the link below.

https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/features/21-spring-break-travel-ideas-for-2023.html?image=3
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Museum Volunteer Reanna Darone promoted at Destination Niagara USA

2/22/2023

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The museum is proud to to congratulate former board member and current volunteer Reanna Darone on her promotion to the role of Director of Convention Sales her our partner organization Destination Niagara USA. She is an excellent representation of the museum and North Tonawanda. For more information, click here, or follow the link below. Way to go Reanna! 
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2023/02/17/154190/darone-named-director-of-convention-sales-for-destination-niagara-usa

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The Travel.com Names HCFM as one of the Top ten Eccentric Museums in North America.

2/7/2023

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The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum has landed on another 2023 list, as Thetravel.com has named it's top ten Eccentric Museums in North America. The museum comes in fourth on the continent in eccentric museums. The author describes their choices as "These museums, featuring distinctive collections, might seem random or wacky at first glance, but they make traveling more interesting and even more knowledgeable."

​

Click here for follow the link below to see what other museums made the list.

https://www.thetravel.com/eccentric-museums-in-north-america/#paul-a-johnson-pencil-sharpener-museum-logan-ohio​

​

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Museum Named as one of the ten most important historic sites to see in buffalo, Ny by CNY News.

1/31/2023

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The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is again on another list created by Central New York News. HCFM was recently listed in cnynews.com's article: "10 Of the Most Important Historic Sites To See in Buffalo, NY." This list also included the North Park Theater, Forrest Lawn Cemetery, & more.

HCFM has previously been named to multiple list by Central New York News, including: 

"12 Great New York Museums Where Kids will Say 'That's Awesome!'"
"Bucket List: 16 Little Known" upstate museums to visit.

For more information click the link here, so below.
​cnynews.com/buffalo-new-york/
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The Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier is a not-for-profit 501-c-3 organization.
  • Visit
    • Hours, Admission & Directions >
      • Accessibility
      • What to know before you go: COVID - 19
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Group Tours
    • Educators
    • HCFM @ Home
  • Parties & Rentals
    • Birthday Parties
    • Baby / Bridal Showers
    • Photoshoots
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • The Museum >
      • Creating the HCFM
      • Allan Herschell
      • The Carving Floor
      • The Wurlitzer Music Roll Department
      • Jeanette E. Jones Children's Gallery
    • Research
    • Our Team >
      • Staff
      • Board of Trustees
      • Careers >
        • Kiddieland Manager
      • Volunteers
      • Directions to HCFM
  • Events
    • 2023 Calendar
    • Carrousel Chats >
      • Upcoming Episodes
    • Storytime
    • National Band Organ Day
    • Classics at The Carrousel
    • Meat Raffle
  • Support
    • Memberships
    • Donate
    • Adopt-A-Horse
    • Buy-A-Brick
    • Volunteering
    • Sponsors & Donors
  • Media
    • News
    • The Carrousel Courier
    • Carrousel Courier Jr.
  • SHOP