[Rochester Museum and Science Center from Living the Native American way of being at Haudenosaunee Days at the RMSC]
After writing about the Ontario Beach carousel panel, we learned some good news.
A city attorney told us the Rochester Museum & Science Center is stepping forward with a solution to the issue that is just great.
It turns out that the City of Rochester is working with RMSC on a detailed proposal to remove the so-called Pickaninny Panel, to replace it with a new panel that will be designed and painted to match the historic carousel, and to preserve and display the Pickaninny Panel in the RMSC in a way that explains its historical and cultural context.
Fortunately, RMSC has on its staff Lois Shaffer, the Museum’s Deputy Director, Design/ Exhibit Services, to work on this endeavor. Back in 1980, she researched and prepared the application to get the Carousel designated as a City Landmark. Prior to coming to the Museum, she devoted several years of her career to restoring historic carousels at Seabreeze Park, Roseland Park and other venues elsewhere in the U.S. A couple of years ago, she repainted and restored the horses and other animal figures on the Ontario Beach Carousel.
This is good news. Thanks, RMSC for coming through!
The City’s proposal will be reviewed at the next meeting of the City’s Preservation Board, in the City Council Chambers at City Hall at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2. The public is welcome to review and submit written comments on the proposal prior to the meeting and/or to speak out on the proposal during the hearing itself.