Some Carousel Research Ideas
From the International Museum of Carousel Art

Here are some possible search words for you to use: Carousel, Carrousel, Carrousell, Carousell, merry-go-round, merrygoround, roundabout, gallopers, Looff, Dentzel, Carmel, C.W. Parker, Spillman, PTC, Illions, "band organ", and many others. Try including city or amusement park names.

If you are researching local carousels, check out local historical societies, newspaper archives and if still in place, the carousel owners. Any information you find may lead to other information. For example, if you find that a particular carousel was installed in 1908, that may focus your newspaper search. It is our experience that there are many sources of information, and some are not very accurate. Try to confirm what you find out from at least two sources.

Try to find people's names associated with the carousel that might still be in the area. They can be a good source for information and pictures. One technique is to ask the local newspaper to run an article about your research and invite people having knowledge or pictures to contact you.

Share what you learn! If you succeed in finding out information, be sure to copy your information and share it with local historical societies, the carousel owners, and national organizations like the National Carousel Association, the American Carousel Society and of course, us at the International Museum of Carousel Art.