Our Story
The Albany Historic Carousel & Museum is the result of more than two decades of community vision, expert craftsmanship, and the extraordinary generosity of the Dentzel family. What started as a dream to bring a world-class hand-carved carousel to downtown Albany, Oregon, has become one of the state's most beloved attractions.
The Dentzel Family Legacy
Our Supporters
So many supporters have made this project possible as we work to make this dream for Albany a reality. Support has ranged from animal, mechanism, and building component sponsorships to outright financial contributions. Generous donors have supplied raw materials for carving and painting, computers, office supplies, food, and everyday paper products.
We would be remiss if we did not also recognize the painters, carvers, mechanism staff, and board and committee members who continue to give freely of their time and expertise.
General Support
- Stella and Dick Reimers
- Gary Goby
- The Lepman Brothers
- Jim Dunning at Tangent Business Park
Mechanism
- Platt Electric
- North Coast Electric
- Marathon Motors
- IBEW Training Center
- Teledyne Wah Chang
- Oremet
The Dentzel family, creators of the original Dentzel Carousel, have been major supporters of this project from the beginning. Through the American Carousel Corporation, Marion Dentzel supplied the antique 1909 mechanism that anchors our carousel today: 52 animals on three rows, with a 50-foot diameter, a 24-foot height, two chariots, and leapers on the inner two rows.
William Dentzel III shared invaluable knowledge that guided our restoration work. He has even carved alongside our volunteers to help bring the animals of this community project to life.
We are also deeply grateful to Bill Dentzel, great-grandson of Gustav Dentzel, founder of the Dentzel Carousel Company, and to the National Carousel Association, the previous owner of the mechanism. Bill Dentzel heard about our project and arranged for the antique mechanism to be donated, an act of generosity that reshaped what was possible in Albany.
Our Vision
Our mission is simple. We exist to enchant young and old alike with the finest carousel in the world, to promote the artistry of carousel building by sharing our skills and talents, and to build community spirit by opening our venue to events and activities for everyone in Albany and beyond.
About the Carousel
A Hand-Carved Menagerie of 72 Animals
The Albany Historic Carousel features 52 animals on three rows, plus two replacement animals per row and five seasonal animals, for a total of 72 hand-carved figures.
This is a true menagerie carousel, which means a wonderful variety of creatures rather than only horses. Riders can choose from a seven-foot-tall giraffe, dogs, cats, zebras, unicorns, dragons, and yes, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my).
The 1909 Dentzel Mechanism
At the heart of the carousel is a rare 1909 Dentzel Carousel Company mechanism. Our original plan was to purchase a new mechanism that would hold 32 animals. Then Bill Dentzel heard about our project and helped arrange the donation of an antique 50-foot, three-row mechanism that had been preserved by the National Carousel Association. We are grateful to both for entrusting us with this piece of American carousel history.
Ten Years of Careful Restoration
Restoring this classic mechanism took over ten years of dedicated work. Every wooden gear tooth, every mirror panel, and every motor that turns the carousel platform was carefully evaluated, repaired, or rebuilt. Lead engineer Carl Baker and a remarkable crew of volunteers transformed what arrived as a truckload of 'what have we gotten ourselves into' into the marvel it is today.
Get Involved
There are many ways to bring joy to our community here at the carousel. Volunteer opportunities range from carousel operator to gift shop cashier, café attendant, and volunteer artisan. Every role keeps the carousel turning and helps preserve a vanishing American art form.
Painting and Carving
Most of our carving is done by volunteers who start as complete beginners. For those starting out, we loan the tools necessary to begin your adventure and set you on the path with an introductory project.
Painting follows the same path. Volunteers begin with introductory projects and grow from there. The painting process is called 'stippling,' a time-consuming technique that produces beautiful results.
We welcome anyone who wishes to volunteer as a Museum Docent, Carousel Operator, Operator Assistant, or Gift Shop Volunteer.
Museum and Gift Shop Volunteers
Our museum and gift shop are also staffed by volunteers. Docents learn the history of our museum display pieces and share that history with the visiting public.
The Albany Historic Carousel & Museum is a living arts and history project. Whether you want to ride, learn, give, or carve, there is a place for you here.
Visit, Volunteer, or Give
The Albany Historic Carousel & Museum is a living arts and history project. Whether you want to ride, learn, give, or carve, there is a place for you here.