Many theme park visitors walk right by something pretty special without ever knowing what it is. That something special is a plaque that’s posted on a small handful of roller coasters throughout the world, designating them as ACE Landmark Coasters.  

A committee of dedicated ACE members/historians selects these coasters based on criteria including historical significance of the ride. If you’ve ever posed in front of the plaque before hopping on the coaster or wondered how that coaster was chosen, all will be revealed as co-host John Davidson talks with Dave Hahner, a 43 year ACE member who works with the ACE Preservation Committee.

In this episode:

[06:52] The birth and evolution of the History Committee, it takes many contributors to do this work

[12:00] On to ACE Landmark Coasters!

[21:00] Losing coasters, the role of landmark plaques in preservation

[38:00] Implications of hybrid coasters 

[41:08] Join the history committee! Overseas contributors especially welcome!  Contact Jimmy Titko: [email protected]

[43:30] Walking through the plethora of plaques and landmark coasters at Cedar Point (shoutout to Gemini!!)

[46:47] Nod to Cedar Fair for restoring Racer 75 at Kings Dominion and The Racer at Kings Island

Learn more about ACE Landmark Coasters

https://www.aceonline.org/page/Landmark

https://www.facebook.com/ACErollercoasterlandmark

In an effort to recognize and promote rides that are noteworthy in coaster history, the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark program was established in 2000. This special designation is reserved for rides of historical significance, as determined by ACE. Additional coasters are designated on an ongoing basis. A permanent historical marker is presented to each park to display as desired, and it serves to educate park guests about the extensive history of the ride. Look for our ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaques in the parks near each of these designated coasters!

Sources 

Share your ideas and thoughts about this podcast via email: [email protected]. Visit ridewithace.com to learn more about the non-profit organization American Coaster Enthusiasts.

Join the team of ACE volunteers. Volunteering offers different ways to share your talents by:

• Having an impact on the future of ACE
• Providing opportunities for rewarding experiences
• Developing friendships in a small group
• Learning new skills or sharing your talents with ACE

Podcast Volunteer Team 

Hosts: Jessica Gardner and John Davidson

Producer: Derek Perry

Editors: Bob Randolph

Show Notes: Liz Tan 

Project Manager: Corey Wooten