The Smithsonian National Carousel has officially reopened to the public after a nearly three-year restoration project. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the carousel’s return signifies more than just a classic amusement ride; it embodies a powerful symbol of progress and inclusivity.

A History of Segregation and Activism

The carousel’s history is deeply connected to Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Woodlawn, Maryland. In the 1960s, activists fought tirelessly to desegregate the park and its carousel, challenging discriminatory practices.

Desegregation at Gwynn Oak

Sharon Langley, at just 11 months old, became the first African American child to ride the carousel at Gwynn Oak on August 28, 1963 – the same day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Langley, now 63, rode a horse named ‘Freedom Rider’ at the reopening, emphasizing the carousel’s symbolic location among national monuments to freedom.

Personal Reflections on a Pivotal Moment

Janice Chance, who first rode the carousel in 1966 at age 13 after Gwynn Oak’s desegregation, shared her emotional experience. Her family frequented the park once barriers were removed, and she views the carousel’s presence on the National Mall as a tribute to the sacrifices made for freedom. Her son’s service as a Marine in Afghanistan further underscored the importance of those freedoms.

Resilience and Restoration

After Hurricane Agnes damaged Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in 1973, the park closed, and the carousel was placed in storage. Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley acquired the carousel to replace the aging one on the National Mall.

A Vibrant Attraction for Future Generations

The recent restoration meticulously preserved the carousel’s historical significance while ensuring its continued enjoyment. The restored carousel features 54 horses, a sea monster, a pig, and two chariots.

Seven-year-old Lucas Platt from Virginia praised the carousel’s speed, noting it was faster than others he had experienced. The carousel stands as a testament to both the joys of childhood and the struggles for civil rights.