‘Time Machine’ a roller coaster ride into history

GRAND ENTRANCE - -Josie Lagunas with grandson Adarius Gammage passes through the portals of a 'Time Machine' that opens doors to the Valley's past.  (Wrangler News photo by Alex J. Walker)
GRAND ENTRANCE – -Josie Lagunas with grandson Adarius Gammage passes through the portals of a ‘Time Machine’ that opens doors to the Valley’s past. (Wrangler News photo by Alex J. Walker)

By Daniel Ochoa

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The cogs and wheels have started rolling again on Tempe’s newest and possibly best-ever  “Time Machine,” a mind-expanding exhibit designed to keep kids engaged during what might otherwise be just another ho-hum summer.

Tempe History Museum’s Legendary Summer creation harkens back to the 1960s, when kids celebrated vacations at the popular Legend City amusement park.

Legend City operated in Tempe from 1963-1983, giving children the opportunity to enjoy a variety of entertainment and performers, not the least of whom were the unforgettable duo of Wallace & Ladmo.

“It was basically Arizona’s Disneyland,” said Jared Smith, the museum’s curator of history.

“We’ve been wanting to do an exhibit on Legend City for some time now because it’s a place that so many people have a common-shared experience about. It’s one of those things that connect so many people around here.” 

Tempe Time Machine mirrors some of the activities that were available at Legend City, so children can learn more about Tempe’s history.

Activities at the exhibition include arts and crafts, performances and demonstrations, musical activities, board games and history lessons.

Holly Nicolaisen, education assistant for the museum, said Tempe Time Machine offers a way for children in the Valley to stay engaged and hinders any “brain breaks” they might experience throughout the summer break.

“Sometimes the younger children don’t enjoy coming to the museum because they associate it with it being boring, so this is a perfect opportunity to get them involved with the museum and the different programs we have to offer,” she said.

“The fact that we have indoor programs during the summer months for young children is great.” In addition, Tempe Time Machine offers volunteer opportunities for teens, which enables them to be involved with the museum and learn workforce skills.

“What the volunteers do here is something that they would have to do in a job, so it gives them the ability to learn those skills,” Nicolaisen said.

Denise Rentschler, public information officer for the city of Tempe, said the exhibit gives working parents the opportunity to have fun with their children over the weekend and teach them the importance of the city’s history. 

“We wanted to offer working parents the opportunity to have that bonding experience with their children and that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

Tempe Time Machine will occur throughout June and July every Wednesday and second Saturday at the Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave. The program is free and open to the public.

For additional information about Tempe Time Machine and other summer programs being offered at the museum, call 480-350-5100. 

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