Freedomland's "Celebrities at the Park" Featured At Berger Brothers

Berger Brothers, the photo, video and education store in Syosset, is hosting a presentation about Freedomland U.S.A., the American history theme park that was located in the Bronx (1960-1964). “Celebrities at the Park” will feature the history about the creation and razing of Freedomland while placing the spotlight on 50 of the more than 150 celebrities who appeared at the park.

New Date!

This June 19 is the 65th anniversary of the park’s debut. The Berger Brothers presentation by a park historian and author will be held Saturday, June 28, 2-4 p.m. Click here for details.

The presentation will feature the many singers (Paul Anka, Bobby Darin, Connie Francis), musicians (Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Harry James), radio disc jockeys (Murray the K, Bob Lewis), comedians (The Three Stooges, Car 54’s Toody and Muldoon) and hosts of children’s shows (Sandy Becker, Sonny Fox, Chuck McCann) who appeared at the park. A memorabilia display will include Freedomland and celebrity items.

Freedomland U.S.A. programs are featured throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Libraries, museums, adult education, and historical and civic organizations can schedule a program that includes a park memorabilia display. Each attendee receives an authentic Freedomland entrance token Courtesy the Frank R. Adamo Freedomland U.S.A. Collection. For more information, email Freedomlandusa@yahoo.com or send a direct message through the Freedomland social media platforms -- Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter and Pinterest.

Books About Freedomland's History

Besides social media and print/online articles, Freedomland’s history has been documented in two books, Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History (Theme Park Press, 2018) and Freedomland U.S.A.: More Definitive History (Theme Park Press, 2024). Both books can be found on Amazon and other online retail sites.

Freedomland featured seven themed American history sections -- Little Old New York focused on lower Manhattan of the late 1800s, in Old Chicago of 1871 children and adults fought the great fire, The Great Plains of 1803-1900 showcased a fort and farmland, San Francisco of 1906 introduced a dark ride that simulated the devastating earthquake, The Old Southwest of 1890 incorporated the tough towns of the time, New Orleans celebrated Mardi Gras and was the location of the centennial commemoration of the Civil War, and Satellite City showcased the future.

Freedomland Closes

Former Disney employees, Hollywood and Broadway creative personnel, and talent from New York City television contributed to the creation of Freedomland. Unknown to Wood, the creators, the employees and Freedomland’s fans, the landowner, local politicians, city planners and construction unions considered the park a temporary occupant of the property until land variances permitted significant development of the marshland for housing and shopping. The site for the last 50-plus years has been the location of Co-op City, the world’s largest cooperative complex.