The Empire State Carousel is a merry-go-round based on the theme of New York history and culture. First conceived in 1983 by head carver Gerry Holzman and guided to completion by him and his wife Arlene, it showcases original contributions by nearly 1,000 New York volunteer artisans and artists. Donated to The Farmers' Museum by the Empire State Carousel Association, it opened here on Memorial Day 2006. Its 25 hand-carved creatures represent the state's wild and domestic animals, with decorations emphasizing regional products and resources. Three bench rides symbolize New York's diverse regions: a Long Island scallop shell, an Erie Canal boat, and a North Tonawanda antique lovers tub. State folklore appears in hand-carved interior panels depicting figures such as Uncle Sam and Captain Kidd, while carved portraits of notable New Yorkers including Susan B. Anthony, Teddy Roosevelt, and Jackie Robinson appear on the upper rounding boards. Canopy murals chronicle moments in New York history from the arrival of the Half Moon to the construction of Levittown. Hand-carved mirror frames and quilted banners recognize the regions of New York, carved place names honor its towns and cities, and the sweeps of the carousel feature individually stenciled state symbols including bluebirds, roses, apples, and sugar maples.