Annual Letter from the board PResident

November 6, 2024

​
Dear Friends of the Carousel Museum,

 I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself as the new Board of Trustees President as well as share some of the museum’s accomplishments this year. My name is Barbara Trabold and I began my involvement with the Museum by joining the restoration team over six years ago where I spent many hours each week sanding, epoxying and finally painting some of the pieces of the carousel. In addition to this, I volunteered at many of the museum’s special events such as Santa on the Carousel, Spooktacular, Victorian Tea and the Car Show.  I joined the Board of Trustees five years ago and served as the Secretary until August of this year when I was elected President.  I have a wonderful husband who is now a docent at the museum, 2 beautiful and talented daughters, one awesome son-in-law and 3 marvelous grandchildren who all enjoy spending time at the museum.
 
This year, the museum has reached two major milestones. Our first accomplishment was the celebration and rededication of the 1916 number one special carrousel, a project that has been ongoing for over 30 years. More than 80 volunteers have dedicated countless hours towards restoring this project and it is stunning.  Please plan to make a trip into the museum soon so that you can see this for yourself and tell your friends and family to come and see it as well.
 
Our second accomplishment is that we have broken ground on the new Music Hall. The new building will allow for a dedicated temperature and humidity controlled exhibit space for the museum’s Band Organ collection as well as display space for the Wurlitzer Perforation Department exhibit. This exhibit will be the only place in the world where band organ rolls are still produced using all historically correct equipment and methods. We anticipate it will open during the second half of our 2025 season.  It took a lot of donations and grants from over 17 different agencies that support us but WE DID IT.  

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, friends of the museum, and community supporters, whose dedication and generosity have enabled the museum to thrive. Your contributions continue to empower our initiatives, support exhibits, and enhance our educational outreach efforts. Building upon 37 years of inspired leadership, we are excited to collaborate with all of you to foster the museum’s growth, ensure financial sustainability, and deepen our impact on the community we serve. Together, we look forward to an exciting future, honoring the legacy of past leadership and forging new paths for the years to come.

I have truly loved getting to meet many of you and hope that each of you will continue your support of our wonderful North Tonawanda and Western New York gem. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holiday Season. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
  
 Sincerely, 

---

Barbara K. Trabold, President
Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier, Inc. ​