The Tennessee State Museum is on the move to rejuvenate the iconic Red Grooms Fox Trot Carousel through a public-private partnership, inviting pitches for the carousel's restoration, relocation, and management, according to an official statement from the Museum. Outlined in a Request for Information (RFI) set to drop this week, the initiative seeks proposals from parties with a practical vision for this cultural treasure that has spun memories for years but now stands still, waiting for its next ride in the annals of the state's vibrant history.
To maximize the public benefit, the Museum, along with the state, is calling upon those with actionable ideas - and the muscle to actualize them - to step forward with plans to restore and operate the carousel, Ashley Howell, the Museum's executive director, stressed the importance of the merry-go-round to the community stating, "We have for many years received inquires as to the status of the carousel, along with suggestions as to how and where it ought to be installed," and acknowledging a dialog with the public has been ongoing about the fate of the local landmark. Interested parties are directed to the state's procurement website for details on how to participate in the RFI process, hoping to find the right partnership.
The carousel, created by artist Red Grooms, has been a part of Nashville's charm since 1998, featuring Tennessee historical figures like Andrew Jackson and Wilma Rudolph. But the ride's popularity dwindled in the early 2000s, leading to its eventual storage. Not just a childhood fancy, this carousel holds a significant spot in cultural history as a cheerful roundup of the state's heroes and figures, presented in Grooms' distinctive style, for which both locals and tourists hold nostalgic affection.
This latest effort by the Tennessee State Museum to revitalize the Fox Trot Carousel is part of a broader institution's commitment to preserving and sharing the state's heritage. Celebrating its 88th anniversary, the Museum, as described on its website, invites visitors to explore Tennessee's past through permanent and temporary exhibitions and directs them to be an integral part of the American Semiquincentennial, celebrating 250 years of U.S. history. Its headquarters are also home to the Tennessee America 250 committee, which is engaged in planning and promoting initiatives that highlight the state's contributions to the nation's historical tapestry.
