originally posted on 2/17/2025
American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) are independent 501(c)(3) organizations committed to preserving roller coaster history. The NRCMA, a physical museum under construction in Plainview, Texas, will showcase historical documents and artifacts from amusement parks.
ACE raises funds for the NRCMA outside of its own Preservation and Archives initiatives, ensuring that 100% of donations collected on the NRCMA’s behalf directly support its mission.
ACE Past President Robert Ulrich represented ACE on the NRCMA’s board from 2021 to 2024.
Photo: Courtesy ACE. View full-sized image.
To maintain strong collaboration, ACE appoints a representative to the NRCMA’s board each term. Most recently, Robert Ulrich, ACE’s immediate past president, served from 2021 to 2024. He succeeded Jerry Willard, who served from 2011 to 2021, including serving as NRCMA’s treasurer from 2018 to 2022. Willard was the first ACE representative to serve on the NRCMA board following the incorporation and reorganization in 2009.
During Ulrich’s service, the museum made progress with more established goals and clearer direction. We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to supporting an ongoing collaboration between ACE and the NRCMA. Just as Ulrich’s term was ending, ACE’s Executive Committee was able to host its fall meeting at the museum so all could contribute in regard to their area of responsibility within ACE.
Former ACE Secretary Lisa Zagarella will succeed Ulrich on the NRCMA board.
Photo: Courtesy ACE. View full-sized image.
As president, I prioritized appointing a passionate preservation advocate outside the ACE Executive Committee to fully dedicate their volunteer efforts to the NRCMA. Lisa Zagarella emerged as the ideal choice. A two-term ACE secretary (2018-2022), Lisa has provided invaluable guidance in her advisory role since 2022.
Her leadership and dedication will help strengthen the partnership between ACE and the NRCMA as we continue working toward our shared goal of preserving roller coaster history.
— Elizabeth Ringas, President
#ACENews