May 21-22, 2021
Glen Echo Park, MD

On the 100th anniversary of the Glen Echo Park Dentzel carousel, Future History Now partnered with Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture to create a mural which recognizes the carousel’s role in the civil rights movement. Through this project, FHN connected with kids from two Montgomery County nonprofit organizations: Community Bridges, which empowers young girls to reach their fullest potential, and Identity Inc., which supports Latino and underserved youth through physical, social, emotional and mental well-being programs.

In 1960, a group of Howard University students were arrested for riding the carousel in protest of Glen Echo Amusement Park’s segregation policies. The case was taken to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the students’ continued fight led to the park’s desegregation.

“As an arts park celebrating the 100th anniversary of a carousel, our collaboration with FHN couldn’t be more perfect, because it involves working artists, children, history and community,” said Katey Boerner, executive director of the Partnership, in a recent press release. “The kids learned a lot from the wonderful teaching artists that work with FHN.”

Excerpts from: “Local Teens Create Mural to Celebrate Dentzel Carousel Centennial,” by Katie Beecher, Montgomery Magazine, May 25, 2021

 photos by Youlee Nishimura, The Artist Oliver James, and Jahru

video by The Artist Oliver James