Accepting Archival Donations

While this priceless collection forms the core of the NAPHA Archives, NAPHA is actively adding such things as reference books, magazines, brochures and press kits, photos, postcards, slides and videotapes, park memorabilia, correspondence and other artifacts to the Archives.

Because NAPHA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, donations from parks, manufacturers, designers, engineers and enthusiasts to our Archives are tax deductible. NAPHA members are encouraged to donate historical items as well.

The NAPHA Archives are now housed in a secured, climate-controlled storage facility. To make a donation, please contact us.

Tim O'Brien Collection

April 17, 2021 - IAAPA Hall of Fame Member Tim O’Brien spent decades in the industry: first with Amusement Business and then with Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, as well as author of dozens of books. Mr. O’Brien has donated his entire archive of press releases, interview transcripts, and articles he has acquired in his long and storied career.

Jim Bowen & John Hayek Collection

July, 2020 - An avid photographer and early NAPHA member, Jim Bowen has captured thousands of amusement park images from the 1960s through the 1990s. In the early 1980s, Mr. Bowen was well-known for his roller coaster and amusement park slideshow presentations given to both enthusiasts and the public. In July 2020, he generously donated his entire collection to the NAPHA Archives.

Steve Mitzel Collection

June, 2020 - Longtime NAPHA member Steve Mitzel donated his collection of brochures, park maps, photos, and postcards and press releases from the 1980s through 1990s. Mr. Mitzel’s collection, donated in June 2020, provides a great snapshot of the industry in the 1980s, as he has also donated his correspondences with management at various parks.

Eugene K. Freer Collection

Thursday, November 10, 2011 - Eugene K. Freer served as the final president of the International Amusement Device, Inc. Upon ceasing operations, Mr. Freer rescued thousands of company records from being disposed of. Among his donations are ride blueprints, letters, and sketches from John A. Miller; images and concepts of fun houses and dark rides; and correspondences with many industry legends. The collection was submitted by their daughter Jane Feerer Snell. Eugene is shown with his wife Gail, in 1992.

June 9, 2008 - The following was received from Timothy Feerer, son of Eugene K. Feerer, who provided extensive historical material to the NAPHA Archives:

My sister Jane found your organization. I had no idea my father had a collection named after him. I wish you the best of luck.

Timothy Feerer

John M. Caruthers Collection

November 16, 2011 - A NAPHA member for decades, John M. Caruthers donated his amusement park postcards and photographs to the NAPHA Archives. John's collecting spanned 40 years and may be one of the largest of its kind. Each file drawer (left) holds approximately 1,000 postcards.

Individual Donors

While it may not be possible to recognize every donation to the archives over the years, NAPHA would like to acknowledge the following parks and individuals for their generous donations: Christopher Churilla, Mike Costello, Kennywood Park, Knoebel’s Amusement Resort, Joshua Litvik, Sue Holly Nichols.

Author Book Donations

Some of the generous authors who have donated copies of their books include Charles J. Jacques. Jr. (Cincinnati's Coney Island, Idora Park, More Kennywood Memories, Hersheypark. and Goodbye, West View Park, Goodbye). Robert R. Reynolds (Roller Coasters. Flumes and Flying Saucers), and Australia's Sam Marshall (Luna Park: Just For Fun).

NAPHA Archives