A railway museum is a great place for rail fans to visit. Often these museums have many different trains on display as well as an array of interactive train-themed activities for children. This type of museum is a great way to learn more about the history of rail travel and also the role it has played in our country’s economy and culture. During the heyday of railroading, trains served people from all walks of life and these museums offer a great opportunity to see this history firsthand.
While the majority of this museum’s collection is outside, you can also take a ride on one of their historic railway cars for just $5. For this you will be able to relax on a lap around the museum’s demonstration track while riding on either an historic passenger car or a flat car converted into an open-air passenger car.
The museum’s collection of railway equipment is quite large, consisting of over 100 items in all. This includes the oldest surviving steam locomotive, Chicago and North Western 1385, five of only six surviving wooden stock cars built by Mather, two freight cars, and three of the only four remaining logging cabooses in the world. Other pieces of railway equipment on display include the Museum’s oleo-turntable (one of only three operational ones in the country), a Lionel “Plasticville” O scale model railroad layout, and a refurbished 1941 Studebaker delivery van.
You can also tour the museum’s many other exhibits that feature graphics presenting the growth of the Indian railway system, photos of old trains and various artifacts from railway stations such as pillars from the Old Srirangapatna railway station. You can also see a royal train compartment that was used by the King and Queen of Mysore as well as a railway post office display.
Visitors can also go on a trip aboard a restored railway car or even climb up into the cupola of a red caboose at the museum. Other popular activities include ringing the bells of the antique steam engines, learning about the different types of railway cars and viewing the simulated train operation demonstrations.
This museum is an official agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is responsible for the preservation and interpretation of Pennsylvania’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Its mission is to serve as a steward, teacher and advocate of our state’s rich natural and cultural resources for present and future generations.
The museum offers a wide range of special events throughout the year that appeal to all interests and age groups. It also provides free admission to its members. You can check its website and social media pages to stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings. You can also join its email list to be notified of new events and updates. During the summer, the museum offers family-friendly events such as Trains in the Park and Summer on the Rails. These are a great way to spend time with your kids while enjoying the outdoors and learning more about railway history.
