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Leonardtown to pursue donation of 48 hand‑carved carousel animals for public display
Summary
Council authorized the town administrator to negotiate with the Southern Maryland Carousel Group to accept 48 hand‑carved carousel animals for Leonardtown Recreation Inc.; staff said an expert will inspect parts this fall and $25,000 in grant funding has been secured for initial work.
Leonardtown officials voted to authorize the town administrator to negotiate terms for a donation of 48 hand‑carved carousel animals from the Southern Maryland Carousel Group. The council approved the authorization by voice vote after staff described the figures as a longtime collection that local volunteers wish to keep intact and put on public display.
"They have generously, offered to donate the 48 car, animals to us," staff said during the presentation, noting that past bond-bill funding tied to the project had expired and that the group currently holds roughly $100,000 to support the effort. Staff said the town has a $25,000 grant this fiscal year to bring an expert in to assess carousel parts in September or early October, and that an MOU with town counsel is being prepared to govern the donation and care of the collection. The group prefers the figures stay together and be exhibited publicly, ideally through Leonardtown Recreation Inc., a 501(c)(3) the town retains for heritage work.
Council members discussed storage, handling and the prospect of a small building or museum to house the pieces until a permanent display is ready. Staff cautioned the move will require specialized handling; volunteers and the donor group have proposed transport mechanisms that would move two figures at a time to avoid damage. The council's motion authorized the administrator to work with the group to finalize details and accept related funding.
