Welcome to the latest episode of Behind The Print, where we bring you the creative stories of industry leaders shaping the world of professional printing. In this episode of Behind The Print, we’re joined by Rose Lawson, Marketing and Events Manager at the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum in Oregon. With a deep appreciation for community storytelling and local craftsmanship, Rose helps preserve a century-old treasure that continues to inspire joy for visitors of all ages. Through hand-carved animals, volunteer artistry, and creative print materials, the Albany Carousel has become a living symbol of connection between art, history, and heart. Rose shares the story behind this beloved nonprofit, how her team bridges tradition and creativity, and why keeping community at the core has redefined her approach to marketing, engagement, and purpose.

Below, you’ll find the transcript of our conversation, edited for clarity to ensure easy reading. If you want the full, authentic experience, make sure to check out the video attached below.

12-minute read

“Print helps us capture and share the beauty of what we do, it’s how our stories travel beyond our walls.” Rose Lawson, Marketing and Events Manager

Welcome back to Behind the Print Podcast, where we feature industry leaders and uncover the creative minds and their businesses within the world of professional printing. Our mission is to provide you with inspiring, actionable resources that elevate your business projects and accelerate your journey to excellence in profit and print.

Zoe: Today’s episode is “More Than Just a Carousel“. We’ll be talking about the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum, a nonprofit that preserves history and brings the community together with its restored 1909 Dentzel Carousel and hand-carved animals. Joining me today is the marketing and events manager, Rose Lawson. Hello! How’s your day today?

Rose: Pretty wonderful. It’s a bit rainy here in Oregon, but we like the rain around here.

Zoe: Yeah, you guys get a lot of rain. It’s kind of crazy.

Rose: That’s how we have all those pretty trees!

Zoe: True, and that great forest.

Rose: Indeed, the Willamette Forest is beautiful.

Zoe: So tell me, who do you serve at the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum? What communities do you most focus on supporting?

Rose: That’s a great question. We serve everyone in our community, with special attention to kids and families, of course. We work especially hard to make our space accessible to all. Our entire building is ADA accessible, and we recently participated in a colorblind awareness program. We also offer translator services for our tourists in over a hundred languages. We’re always seeking new ways to enhance the visitor experience.

The carousel really is for everyone. At the heart of it, we’re a gathering place where families, grandparents with grandkids, tourists, and locals all come together to share joy and community.

Zoe: That’s awesome. You’re really addressing a unique and important need, especially with your colorblind awareness campaign. I saw that on Instagram and Facebook, it looked amazing! What kind of challenges or opportunities do visitors usually bring to the carousel?

Rose: We’re really lucky. We’ve had strong community involvement since the very beginning. Of course, different personalities and expectations can sometimes be a challenge, but our community is quick to provide feedback, and it’s usually positive. We always act on it.

The biggest challenge, like most nonprofits, is funding. The light bill still has to be paid! But most visitors come here seeking joy and connection, whether it’s for a birthday, a family outing, or just a bit of magic. Our opportunity is to give them that happiness and make each visit feel personal, even when we get busy.

“Whether you’re local or far away, every bit of support helps us keep this space available for everyone.” Rose Lawson, Marketing and Events Manager

Zoe: That feedback from the community is just invaluable.

Rose: Absolutely. Because we exist for the community, it’s imperative we listen to them. And again, that feedback tends to be very positive, which is a blessing.

Zoe: So tell me, how does your approach, rooted in tradition and community, help create those meaningful experiences?

Rose: Carousels are already unique, but ours is especially so because every animal is hand-carved and hand-painted entirely by volunteers. The process begins with a sponsor whose vision influences the animal itself. Often, it’s created as a tribute or a memory. From carving to painting, it can take ten to twenty years before an animal is ready to ride. By then, countless hands and hearts have touched it, making each one a community story.

When an animal is finally completed, we host an “animal party,” that’s what we call it when it graduates to the carousel. It’s a beloved tradition here. When a child rides one of these animals, they become part of the story. That’s what makes our carousel more than just a ride.

Zoe: That’s incredible. Watching the carving and painting process online was mesmerizing. It’s so detailed, and it’s amazing that each piece can take decades to complete. Every little brushstroke becomes part of a community memory. So, how does the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum use print?

Rose: Oh, how don’t we use print? Print is integral to our ability to share our stories with a wider audience. We use it for everything, our rack cards, business cards, and community event posters. But also for special projects like our Carousel Passport and our annual Carousel Calendar.

Because we’re such an art-driven organization, print helps us capture and share the beauty of what we do, especially visually. We’re grateful for reliable partners like PrintingCenterUSA and our local print company, No Dinx, for helping us keep that part of our storytelling strong.

Zoe: That’s so cool. A lot of organizations use print, but not to that extent. It’s exciting that you’ve made it part of nearly every aspect of your business.

Rose: We really do, top to bottom. And we’re grateful to be here today. It’s been wonderful working with you all over the years as well.

Zoe: We’ve loved printing all those materials for you! There’s a local carousel here in Montana, not far from our headquarters, and it’s great fun. I’m not sure they go as deep as you do with the hand-carved animals, though. What do you think helps set your carousel apart?

Rose: Oh, I have to mention Missoula, Montana specifically, their carousel holds a special place in our hearts. There’s only one animal on our entire carousel that we didn’t carve and paint ourselves, and it’s a carved and painted bison that Montana gifted us. Missoula’s carousel is actually where our founder Wendy first got the idea to create this one here in Albany. So we’re incredibly grateful to them.

“Our secret to success is our community. Every detail carries the heart of Albany, and visitors can feel it the moment they walk in.” Rose Lawson, Marketing and Events Manager

Zoe: That’s such a beautiful connection. So, what’s your secret sauce, what makes Albany’s carousel unique compared to other museums or carousels?

Rose: Our secret sauce is our community. The carousel was built by hand, right here in Albany, and it took over a decade to reach opening day. Every detail carries the heart of this town, and visitors can feel it the moment they walk in.

Beyond that, we offer some truly unique programs. Our “Carousel Cares” initiative provides ride packs and treats to children facing hardships in our community. We also have “Carving the Future,” a free carving course for high schoolers to keep that tradition alive for the next generation.

We host sensory-friendly Wednesday mornings because the carousel is for everyone. We also partner with local schools for free field trips and family events, like our Royalty Party and Breakfast with Santa, which we call “memory makers.” Our secret is simple, stay engaged, expand our offerings, and always keep community at the core.

Zoe: You’ve welcomed countless visitors and supporters from all walks of life. What would you say have been some of the biggest milestones for the carousel?

Rose: Opening day, of course, was monumental, it was such a long time coming. Another major milestone is our annual Carnival at the Carousel, which we hold every year. It gives us a chance to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next. And honestly, every time a new animal is finished and installed, it feels like an achievement for the entire community.

Zoe: I can imagine the celebration every time a new animal joins the carousel.

Rose: There is! We host a big free cake party for the community. The animal’s sponsors or their families often join us, and they get to take the maiden voyage. It’s a big to-do, as it should be!

Zoe: That’s so special. On the flip side, what challenges are you hoping to tackle in the upcoming year?

Rose: Like many nonprofits, balancing sustainability with accessibility is always a challenge. We’re working to maintain our traditions while still evolving for the future, and that can bring mixed reactions at times. Funding is a consistent concern, of course. Cross-training our team to strengthen internal support is another priority. But through it all, our goal is to keep the experience affordable and thriving for generations to come.

Zoe: Tell me about some of your upcoming holiday events. I checked out your website, and it looks like you’ve got some really fun ones coming up.

Rose: We’re rolling right into the holiday season, which means a lot of winter magic. On Halloween, we host what we call “The Carousel,” a tradition we borrowed from the Gesa Carousel of Dreams in Washington. We have costume contests, candy, and themed rides.

Then Santa arrives in style with our Carousel Connection event. We partner with a local train company, and Santa arrives by train to the museum. We also host “Letters to Santa,” where kids can write to him and receive handwritten replies.

Our “Breakfast with Santa” event is another favorite. Families enjoy a ticketed breakfast right inside the carousel room, complete with local high school choirs and, of course, free photos with Santa. Throughout December, families can come on weekends for more photo opportunities.

Zoe: As magical as the carousel is on its own, the holiday season must light up the entire experience.

Rose: It absolutely does.

Click here to volunteer!

Zoe: If you weren’t at the carousel and had a free day to spend however you liked, what would you be doing?

Rose: Growing up in the Willamette Valley definitely made me a nature kid. I’d probably be out in the forest, hiking to waterfalls, exploring rivers, soaking in hot springs. We’re lucky to live where you’re only an hour away from almost anything outdoors.

That said, I love exploring Albany itself, especially our downtown historic district. I enjoy visiting local museums, walking along the river, and supporting other small businesses with friends and family.

Zoe: You can’t beat that, a day in the community, enjoying life.

Rose: Exactly. And a lot of our local businesses are supporters and helpers here, so it’s important to stay connected and lift each other up.

Zoe: Totally. It’s a community effort where everyone pitches in and enjoys together.

Rose: That’s the best part, enjoying it together.

Zoe: Finally, how can our listeners connect with the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum, learn more, or support the mission?

Rose: For those nearby, we can always use more volunteers, many hands make light work. One common misconception is that we’re funded by the city or state, but we’re actually a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on sponsors, donors, and community support.

You can help by coming to ride the carousel, becoming a member, donating, or sharing our story. Whether you’re local or far away, every bit of support helps us keep this space available for everyone. The easiest way to get involved is through our website. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Zoe: That’s so exciting. Well, that’s all we have for today. That’s another wrap on an episode of Behind the Print Podcast. Thanks to our listeners for tuning in as we’ve explored the artistry and innovation of the printing world. Remember, keeping a strong vision, building the right strategy, and using tools like print to amplify your message will make you stand out from the crowd. If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to like and subscribe and share it with your fellow print enthusiasts. Until next time, keep those creative sparks flying, and remember, there’s always more to discover behind the brand.

Where Community and Craft Come Together

Through an artist’s eye and a community’s heart, the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum shows how craftsmanship and storytelling can bring people together across generations. What began as a shared dream has become a living, spinning masterpiece, one that celebrates the past while inspiring the future.

For local business owners, marketers, and designers, the carousel’s story is a reminder that every brand, event, and creative project thrives when built with authenticity and heart. The museum’s use of print, from posters to passports, proves that tangible storytelling still captures attention in a digital age. Whether you’re crafting your next campaign or curating a community event, the lesson is clear: print has the power to turn memories into movements.

Preserving Joy in Motion

Rose Lawson and the Albany Historic Carousel & Museum prove that meaningful storytelling can bring communities closer together. Through craftsmanship, creativity, and print, their work keeps history alive while giving families a place to celebrate wonder, memory, and connection. At PrintingCenterUSA, we’re proud to support their mission by producing beautifully printed pieces that capture the artistry of every carved detail and community event. Whether you’re revitalizing your brand or creating experiences that last, print has the power to preserve what matters most. Order today!

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