Before the advent of COVID correspondent Tom Wilmer visited the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The director at the time offered fascinating insights about the history and diversity of roller skating and its connection with Lincoln, Nebraska.
The very first roller skate was patented in 1819. The first iteration of roller skates had inline wheels designed to mimic ice skates.
Skate designs started to evolve in the 1860s with the introduction of the quad skate.
The boot skate was first introduced in the1940s. Odd and unusual skates are popular attractions at the museum. Unusual skates on display include skates for horses, birds and bears.
The four main types of skating include roller derby, figure skating, roller hockey and speed skating.
In the early days of roller skating rinks, music was performed by live bands, but eventually the organ became the common musical accompaniment at skating rinks.
Children skating displays, including Girl Scout and Boy Scout skating merit badges are popular with the kids.
Traveling roller skating shows (much like the Ice Capades) and traveling rinks were popular in the 1940s and 50s
The National Museum of Roller Skating showcases the world’s largest collection of roller skating artifacts and ephemera.
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