The Whippany museum is home to an extensive collection of rail cars. It also arranges special excursions throughout the year for its visitors. The proceeds from these train rides go directly toward the museum’s preservation efforts, making it a great way to spend time with your family while supporting a local treasure.
The Museum is a non-profit organization, and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. The Museum depends on your generous support to continue preserving and presenting railroad history. Donations are also a critical source of revenue for upcoming projects and to keep the Museum open to the public.
On May 9th, 1965, a former Southern Railway steam locomotive, No. 385, pulled a trainload of passengers down the tracks of the Morris County Central tourist railroad in Whippany, New Jersey. Hundreds of people rode that first excursion into railroading’s colorful past, and a legacy was born.
A half century later, the Museum has grown tremendously. Dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve, restore and interpret the history of railroads in New Jersey and the surrounding region. The Museum is now an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution and operates on the generosity of its visitors.
The Museum’s main exhibit is a 1907 Southern Railway train, one of the oldest train engines in America. The museum’s glass display cases are packed with railroad memorabilia, from dishes used in train dining cars to old train schedules and photos. The Museum also has a large model train display with buttons for children to push, which brings the entire exhibit to life.
Located in the heart of historic Hanover Township, the Museum is easily accessible by car or bus. Parking is free. The Museum is open every Sunday from April through October, and offers an assortment of special events for families, as well as excursion train rides.
The museum also hosts the Bunny Rail Express during Easter and a Halloween crafts/vendor fair. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year for those interested in helping to keep the Museum running.
The Museum is committed to preserving the heritage of railroading in the state of New Jersey and its surroundings by restoring, interpreting, and operating historical Railroad equipment and artifacts. In early 2011, the Museum was formally recognized by the New Jersey State Assembly for its work in this endeavor with a proclamation of appreciation.
