Boothbay Railway Village [ME]

Description

The Boothbay Railway Village operates a narrow-gauge coal-fired steam train in a recreated historic village composed of locally significant historic structures. Additionally the museum exhibits one of the finest presentations of antique vehicles in New England.

The village offers exhibits, train rides, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events.

A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum [IL]

Description

The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum promotes, honors, and celebrates the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and contributions made by African Americans to America's labor history. The Museum facility educates the public about the legacy and contributions of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. The permanent collection displays exhibits which are pertinent to the study of the Pullman Historic District, the Great Migration, American labor history, A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters, and the American Civil Rights Movement.

The museum offers exhibits.

Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and Historical Sites

Description

The Society owns and operates two historic sites. The 1885 Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail is one of 18 revolving ("squirrel cage," "human rotary," or "lazy Susan") jails built. The RailsWest History Center, housed in the 1899 Rock Island Depot, has displays of dining car silverware, a telegraph office, and memorabilia such as porters' uniforms and ticket stubs, as well as railcars and a model railroad.

The sites offer tours and exhibits; the society offers lectures and educational and recreational programs.

National Capital Trolley Museum [MD]

Description

The National Capital Trolley Museum preserves and interprets the heritage of electric and interurban railways of Washington, D.C. and environs for the benefit of present and future generations, while supplementing its collections with significant national and international objects to enhance its interpretive programs.

The museum offers exhibits, street car rides, educational programs, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Located in Jamestown, in the heart of California's Gold Country about 100 miles southeast of Sacramento, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is home to the Historic Jamestown Shops and Roundhouse—an intact and still-functioning steam locomotive repair and maintenance facility, portions of which date back to 1897. This one-of-a-kind attraction combines industrial heritage and railroad history with the lore of Hollywood’s film industry. The Railtown 1897 Interpretive Center and the authentic roundhouse are among the Park's unique year-round offerings.

A second, individual website for the park can be found here.

The park offers train rides, exhibits, tours, and educational and recreational events.

Western Gateway Heritage State Park

Description

A former railroad yard, this urban park uses historical artifacts and exhibits to bring to life the controversial and danger-filled construction of the Hoosac Tunnel, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. The tunnel was dug 4.75 miles through Hoosac Mountain, linking Massachusetts to Albany, NY. 200 men lost their lives building the tunnel, which is still being used today. An audio-visual presentation takes visitors back in time, where the sounds of dripping water, pickaxes against stone, explosions, and debates recreate the hardships and heroism of the tunnel's construction. Outside, several beautifully restored buildings that were once used to store freight and commodities surround a cobblestone courtyard. The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Programs such as concerts, walking tours, arts and crafts, and environmental education are offered regularly to the public. In addition, the gallery has become well known for its exhibits that feature work by area artists and historical themes.

The park offers exhibits, a short film, tours, and occasional recreational and educational events.

Historic Salisbury Foundation and Historic Structures [NC]

Description

The Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is preserving, protecting, and enhancing the special historic character of Salisbury and Rowan County through education, neighborhood revitalization, advocacy, and the preservation of historic landmarks. It also maintains and operates the Josephus W. Hall House, the Salisbury Station and the Grimes Mill. The 1820 Hall House contains the silver, china, and furniture of the Hall family, which owned the house beginning in 1859; the 1908 Salisbury Station has been restored and is tourable by appointment; and the 1896 Victorian roller mill, Grimes Mill, contains five floors of early mill machinery, and is tourable by appointment.

The foundation offers tours and occasional recreational and educational programs; the historic sites offer tours.

Northwest Railway Museum [WA]

Description

The Museum displays exhibits in the turn-of-the-century Snoqualmie Depot, incorporating displays interpreting the purpose and function of a train station with outdoor displays of restored railway equipment. It also operates an Interpretive Railway Program called the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad. This five-mile common carrier railroad allows museum visitors to experience a train excursion aboard antique railroad coaches through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley.

The museum offers exhibits, train rides, educational programs, research library access, and occasional recreational and educational events