The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park is a unique historic facility. Besides housing the antique Carousel, the building provides ample space for weddings with beautiful views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound, especially at sunset.

Although there were more than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920’s, The Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. During your wedding reception you can take a ride on one of the 72 figures. Lighthouse Point Park Carousel was built in 1916, it is a rare and important example of American folk art. For years, a ride on the carousel was the highlight of a day at New Haven’s Lighthouse Park. Now it can be one of the highlights of your wedding day.

In 1977 the carousel closed down and the building was boarded up and the figures were placed in storage. Then in late 1980, the mayor of New Haven appointed a group of citizens to restore the carousel. These dedicated volunteers joined together to reclaim this piece of New England heritage. In 1983 the carousel and its storied pavilion were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City of New Haven, which purchased the carousel in 1927, rehabilitated the neglected building. An “Adopt-A-Horse” program was developed to help pay for restoration as well. After hours of scraping, cleaning, painting, the carousel twirled once again.

Keeping the carousel beautiful and in working order is a continuing task. The motor that sends the carousel spinning requires regular refurbishing, as does the organ that accompanies riders on their flights of fancy. Horses need new tails, manes, and jewels. Routine wear and tear caused by the damp bathing suits of seaside riders make frequent paint touch-ups necessary. Maintenance and restoration must be ongoing if the carousel is to remain beautiful and vibrant.

Fun Facts

• assembled in 1916 by the Murphy Brothers in their Savin Rock workshop.
• one of the largest carousels – 20 ranks on a 60-foot platform.
• the animals – jumping horses, exotic dragon chariots, even a camel.
• Paintings of the New Haven Harbor – steamboats, sailing ships, barges, lighthouses and mermaids add to the attraction.

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