The museum is home to awe-inspiring engines and other artifacts that tell the story of railway transport. Discover how railways have evolved over time, from their beginnings to today’s world-changing technology. Throughout your visit, you’ll be inspired to learn more about this important part of our nation’s history.
The Museum has a unique and important role in the community: to inspire lifelong learning through the preservation of railroad objects, engaging exhibits, and innovative programs. The Museum is a non-profit organization and is funded by admissions, donations, and fund-raising events.
A few dozen rail enthusiasts joined forces in 1956 to form a committee with the goal of preserving a favorite steam locomotive and other rolling stock. As interest in preserving railway equipment grew, the committee expanded its mission and decided to become a museum.
By 1969, the collection was growing so large that a move was necessary. An 1875 roundhouse in Bailey’s Wye was purchased, and the equipment was moved to this location on the old IT right-of-way. Purchasing additional property adjacent to the museum, including a portion of a former popcorn field, allowed for increased storage space. Eventually, the museum was able to purchase all of the tracks on the property and build a new facility to house its growing collection.
During this time, the museum was visited by thousands of schoolchildren on field trips. The Museum also received significant financial support from local businessmen. In addition, the Museum was supported by numerous volunteers, whose efforts were critical to its success. During this period, the first restoration projects began on some of the older pieces of equipment.
In February 1977, the Silver State was brought to the Museum for a complete restoration. All of the exterior wood was sanded and repainted in original V&T colors. The rust and holes were filled in, the cab and tender were repainted to their original appearance, and oil-painted headlining cloths were restored. The interior was also refurbished and painted to match the original appearance.
The Museum’s research library and archives preserve historical documents related to the history of railroad transportation. These include engineering records, books, photographs, historical memoirs and blueprints. The archival materials are accessible to the public by pre-arranged appointments in the Research Room. The Research Room also houses the NRM’s collection of books, monographs and periodicals.
