community history gallery
Showcasing the Idora Park Experience
Jim and Toni Amey didn’t set out to start a museum,
but their collection of Idora Park artifacts has grown to be
one of the most extensive of its kind. Once they realized
the significance of what they had created, they knew they
had to share it with the public. The Ameys opened The
Idora Park Experience, housed in a 4,400 square foot
building on their Canfield property, and welcomed the
community to discover or relive the magic of
Youngstown’s Idora amusement park.
The Idora Park Experience began as a labor of love.
Jim Amey spent a summer working on Idora’s midway,
gathering fond memories that fueled his passion for
preserving the park’s legacy. He and Toni Amey began
collecting pieces of Idora’s past about 30 years ago. As
the collection grew, their mission transformed from
holding onto childhood memories to saving an important
part of the Mahoning Valley’s history.
While few under the age of fifty have memories of
Idora, the Ameys are committed to sharing the park’s
important history with new generations and audiences.
The Idora Park Experience collection will soon become
part of a new museum in downtown Youngstown’s east
end. In the meantime, here is a sneak preview of what
you’ll see when the new museum opens to the public!
The exhibit will remain open through the end of 2026.
The Youngstown Foundation Community History Gallery, located on the first floor behind the main exhibit space and grand staircase. Utilizing the theme “Inspiration through Heritage,” the displays in the Community History Gallery are developed through collaborative efforts with local historical societies as well as with educational, civic, cultural, and religious organizations in the Valley.
Janice E. Strasfeld, executive director of The Youngstown Foundation, states, “The Tyler History Center is going to be such an asset for everyone in the Mahoning Valley — from preserving unique segments of local history to providing interactive educational programs for all ages. By sponsoring the Community History Gallery, The Youngstown Foundation is helping to strengthen regional partnerships which not only highlight unique connections between the Valley’s past and present but also build pride and awareness for current and future generations.”
How it Works
Non-profit cultural organizations, schools, and neighborhood associations are invited to participate in our Community History Gallery program on a first come-first served basis. If selected, you will meet with the History Center staff to discuss how to effectively tell your story and what artifacts or other materials you might want to display.
Once you have decided on a theme and selected items to include in the Community History Gallery you will install your exhibit with guidance from our trained staff.