The Storm

We'll exhibit films and photos about Superstorm Sandy's impact on Coney Island. As part of our continuing oral history project we'll be recording personal stories about the storm's aftermath and how it affected the Coney Island community. The public is invited to come to our exhibit center for an audio or video recording, or we can come to your home or business.     

Headwaters of Coney Island Creek

Charles Denson's 40-year documentation of this fascinating and obscure estuary will be told in photos, interviews, and a soon-to-be released film documentary. The creek's history, ecology, and importance to Coney's past and future will be explored. Coney Island Creek gained notoriety during Superstorm Sandy when it overflowed its banks and flooded Coney Island. The catastrophic flooding that occurred might have been prevented if the vast wetlands that once surrounded the creek had not been filled and developed over the last century. Solutions to the storm surge problem will be a focus of the exhibit.

 

The Wonder Wheel: Coney Island's Iconic Amusement Landmark

As the 1920 Wonder Wheel approaches the century mark, we will examine how it was invented and constructed, how it operates, and, most importantly, tell the story of the family who owns it and maintains it as Coney's premier attraction. Three generations of the Vourderis family have kept the ride running with the greatest care and safety record of any amusement in Coney Island. Photos, postcards, interviews.

Playland Murals

The Curious Artwork of Larry Millard

The story of mysterious Coney Island artist Millard, whose murals covered the now-demolished Playland Arcade. We will exhibit several of the original murals as well as exhibit documentation of the works that did not survive demolition. Millard had a bizarre sense of humor and a unique cartoon and lettering style. Were his illustrations actually based on his own life story?     

The Coney Island History Project, founded in 2004, is a not-for-profit organization that aims to increase awareness of Coney Island's legendary and colorful past and to encourage appreciation of the Coney Island neighborhood of today. Our mission is to record, archive and share oral history interviews; provide access to historical artifacts and documentary material through educational exhibits, events and a website; and honor community leaders and amusement pioneers through our Coney Island Hall of Fame.