Lectures

The popular and informative slide show lecture about the legendary Palisades Amusement Park is now available for your group or organization.

Program Information: This program normally runs about 45 minutes, plus a 15-minute question and answer period. This length can be adjusted according to a group’s needs. The program is presented by Vince Gargiulo, executive director of the Palisades Amusement Park Historical Society, and author of the book Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories," and Producer of the PBS documentary of the same name.

Program Description: In 1898, a New Jersey picnic grove became the catalyst for one of the greatest amusement parks of the century. What would later be known as Palisades Amusement Park, started out as an attraction for the local trolley company, designed to increase weekend ridership. It grew to be one of the world's most famous fun centers, achieving national prominence through the Freddy Cannon song, "Palisades Park". The lecture is a comprehensive history of the Park beginning with its inception in the late 1800s, continuing through its rather checkered history, until its ultimate demise in the early 70s. For those who ever visited Palisades Amusement Park, this lecture is sure to bring back those cherished remembrances. And for those never lucky enough to have entered its colorful gates, the Palisades Amusement Park lecture will recreate the thrills, laughter and joy that was Palisades.

Requirements: Your group must provide a screen or suitable wall space for projecting slides. This program is also available as a multimedia PowerPoint presentation (this permits using a greater variety of images and sounds). For PowerPoint presentations, your group must provide an LCD projector and necessary cables.

Booking Information: Call 201-807-0069. Available booking dates are evenings or weekends. Due to scheduling difficulties, daytime lectures during the week (Monday thru Friday) are not advised.

Fees: $100 for evening or weekend booking dates. Payment is expected the day of the event, unless prior arrangements have been made.

Travel Fees: There are no travel fees for shows given within Bergen County.

A travel fee of $.50 per mile round trip from Little Ferry, NJ applies for all programs given outside of Bergen County, New Jersey.

Overnight lodging only when necessary (early-morning or late evening programs).