April 16-17: Our New Exhibit Center Opens at Deno's Wonder Wheel Park

The Coney Island History Project is moving into a new exhibition center below the Wonder Wheel and will be open for a preview on Coney Island's opening weekend of the 2011 season. "We're grateful to the Vourderis family, operators of Deno's Wonder Wheel Park, for providing us a space and for their interest in preserving Coney Island's heritage," said historian and History Project director Charles Denson. "Our recording studio will be open for people to record their Coney Island memories."

The new exhibition center will be open 1 to 6 pm on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17. Admission is free of charge. On Sunday, starting at 11 am with the 33-year-old family tradition of the "Blessing of the Rides," Deno's Wonder Wheel Park will host an opening day celebration. Hope to see you at the festivities!

Stop by our exhibition center to view historic artifacts, photographs, maps, ephemera and films of Coney Island's colorful past and preview selections from our 2011 season. This year's exhibitions will feature never-before-seen vintage films and photos, folk art treasures, and rediscovered wonders from Wonder Wheel Park. Our popular Steeplechase horse from the legendary ride that gave Steeplechase Park its name will be on display again, along with a rare Mangels "Fairy Whip" car and the original Coney Island toll house sign from 1823. Colorful banners depicting honorees of the Coney Island Hall of Fame will also be on display on Jones Walk in Wonder Wheel Park.

You'll find the Coney Island History Project's new exhibition center under the Wonder Wheel's iconic entrance sign on Denos D. Vourderis Place (West 12th Street), just a few steps off the Boardwalk. Our regular exhibition season is from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. Hours are 1 to 6 pm on Saturdays, Sunday and holidays. The exhibit center is open year-round by appointment for schools and groups. For additional info, e-mail events@coneyislandhistory.org.