Events Leaflet - Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

HOURS
DIRECTIONS
• January, February, March, November
and December: Tuesday through
Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is located on PA Route
741, Strasburg, ten miles east of historic downtown Lancaster
in the heart of the beautiful, Pennsylvania Dutch Country of
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
• April through October: Monday through
Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sunday, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
From Baltimore & Washington, DC
I-95 north to I-83 north to Route 30 east (Lancaster). Route 30
east to Route 896 south (Strasburg) to Route 741 east.
OPEN
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Martin Luther King Jr Day: Monday, January 18.
Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 15.
Easter: Sunday, March 27.
Memorial Day: Monday, May 30.
Independence Day: Monday, July 4.
Labor Day: Monday, September 5.
Columbus Day: Monday, October 10.
Veterans’ Day: Friday, November 11.
Black Friday: Friday, November 25.
Monday after Christmas: Monday, December 26.
Railroad Museum
of Pennsylvania
From Metro New York, New Jersey & Philadelphia
(New Jersey Turnpike to Pennsylvania Turnpike.) Pennsylvania
Turnpike west to Exit 286, Route 222 south. Route 222 south to
Route 30 east (Lancaster). Route 30 east to Route 896 south
(Strasburg). Route 896 south to Route 741 east.
From Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Turnpike east to Exit 247, Route 283 east. Route
283 east to Route 30 east (Lancaster). Route 30 east to Route
896 south (Strasburg). Route 896 south to Route 741 east.
CLOSED
• New Year’s Day: Friday, January 1.
• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 24.
• Christmas: Sunday, December 25.
ADMISSION
• Adults 12 to 64:
• Seniors 65 and over:
• Youth 3 to 11:
• Children 2 and under:
$10.00
$9.00
$8.00
Free of charge
All hours, admissions, programs and activities listed
are subject to change without notice.
CHECK OUT SPECIAL VALUE ADMISSIONS
• Museum membership
• Combination pass with the Strasburg Rail Road
• Rail Baron pass with the Strasburg Rail Road
ASK ABOUT the Restoration Shop Tour, the White Glove
Tour, the Children’s Tour and various customized and/or
event-related tours.
GROUP RATES are available for some events. Please
call (717)687-8628, ext 3001, in advance for group
information, rates and reservations.
P. O. Box 125 (mailing address)
300 Gap Road (delivery address only)
PA Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 17579
(717) 687-8628 • Fax: (717) 687-0876
[email protected] • www.rrmuseumpa.org
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is administered by the
Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, with the active
support of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
Tom Wolf, Governor
Andrew E. Masich, Chairman
James M. Vaughan, Executive Director
Visitors to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
enjoy free, convenient, on-site parking.
For information on great area lodging, dining,
shopping and attractions:
www.strasburgpa.com • www.discoverlancaster.com
www.visitpa.com • 1(800)723-8824 • 1(800)VISITPA
Availability/placement/access to Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
exhibits is subject to change without notice.
Individuals with disabilities who need special assistance or
accommodation to visit the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
should call (717) 687-8628 in advance. Pennsylvania
TDD relay service is available at 1(800) 654-5984.
2016
Strasburg • Lancaster County • Pennsylvania
Real Trains
Real History
Real
Excitement
REAL TRAINS
REAL HISTORY
Reading Railroad Days
Breakfast With The Conductor &
Catcher • Read Across America Day
Saturday, March 5
njoy breakfast with our conductor and friendly
mascot Catcher this morning. Stay in the Museum
after breakfast and enjoy stories about trains, railroads
and other amazing people, places and things from
special guests. We’ll supply a suitcase and you can
pick up collectible stickers as you travel from story
to story throughout the day. Advance registration,
with a $10 per person fee, is required for breakfast.
Registration begins January 26, 2016 for a limited
number of breakfast spaces. Please call after the
February 23, 2016 deadline to determine if spaces
at breakfast are still available. Regular Museum
admission rates also apply.
Sunday, July 3 through Sunday, July 10
njoy the remarkable Reading Railroad trains
of eastern Pennsylvania history through tours
of Reading Company equipment and a huge,
operating model railroad from the Reading
Company Technical & Historical Society. Regular
Museum hours. Included in the regular Museum
admission.
E
E
Charter Day
Sunday, March 13
bserve the 335th birthday of the Commonwealth,
amid Pennsylvania made and operated historic
rolling stock, here at the Keystone State’s official
railroad museum. Regular Museum hours. Open to
the public free of charge.
O
REAL EXCITEMENT
Railroad Museum
Pennsylvania
Rails &of
Ales
Saturday, April 16, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
op on board for this craft beer tasting event,
featuring breweries, food trucks and live music,
held inside the Museum’s 100,000 square foot Rolling
Stock Hall, among our world-class collection of
historic trains. Adults only, with valid ID. Tickets are
available online at www.railsandales.org: $40 per
person general admission, $50 per person VIP, $15
per person designated driver, $160 per five pack (4
general admission and one free designated driver).
H
Safety First! The Evolution of
Railroading Safety Practices
Saturday, April 23 through Saturday, December 31
ith the frantic pace of early railroad construction in
America, safety concerns often took a backseat to
profit and expansion. Inevitably, accidents happened
more frequently as trains became heavier and faster,
and as traffic steadily increased. Not surprisingly,
the number of injuries and deaths also soared among
workers — the very people charged with building,
maintaining and operating the railroads. This exhibit
will examine several railroad jobs and how emerging
technologies and practices sought to improve the safety
of workers. Regular Museum hours. Included in the
regular Museum admission.
W
National Train Day
Saturday, May 14
alling all trainiacs! Discover the rail way to travel,
with activities for the entire family, including tours
of Museum locomotives and railroad cars, hands-on
history and fun facts about trains. Regular Museum
hours. Included in the regular Museum admission.
C
Barons & Builders Day Camp
Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 15, for ages 9 & 10
Monday, July 25 through Friday, July 29, for ages 11 & 12
ids build, create, learn and play as they explore
railroads and railroad history through a program
of unique tours, innovative hands-on projects, field
trips by train and special demonstrations. Each
camp has a limited number of openings on a first
come basis. The cost is $175 per camper ($125
per camper for Museum members). Registration
begins March 8, 2016. Please call after the June
10, 2016 deadline to determine if spaces are still
available.
K
Conrail Days
Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24
onrail arose from the wreckage of six failed
railroads in the 1970s to become a profitable
and successful private enterprise. This program
highlights the equipment, history and people of
Conrail, and is presented in partnership with the
Conrail Historical Society. Regular Museum hours.
Included in the regular Museum admission.
C
REAL TRAINS
REAL HISTORY
Model Railroading Days
Christmas With The Conductor
Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21
he young and young at heart, the novice and
the veteran railroader together will enjoy model
railroading demonstrations and activities, as well as
numerous operating layouts and demonstrations.
Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular
Museum admission.
Saturday, December 3 and Saturday, December 10
he conductor calls all aboard for classic
holiday stories in one of the Museum’s historic
passenger coaches. Kids will also delight in
creating their own seasonal take-home craft
and receiving a small bag of goodies. Advance
registration, with a $10 per child fee ($5 per child for
Museum members), is required and is offered on a
first come basis. Recommended for children ages
3 and over. Registration begins October 24, 2016.
Please call after the November 25, 2016 deadline
to determine if spaces are still available. Regular
Museum admission rates also apply.
T
T
Members Day
Saturday, September 24
useum members enjoy special members-only
presentations and other great railroad-related
activities. Also held is the annual business meeting
of the membership. A not-to-be-missed evening
banquet — honoring volunteers, members and
other special friends — caps off a full day. Advance
registration is required.
M
Garden Railways Tour
Sunday, October 2, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
njoy a self-guided tour of various private homes,
featuring unique garden railways with operating
model train layouts. Garden Railways Tour tickets
are $10 per person for ages 6 and over. Tickets
go on sale at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
beginning August 1, 2016, and at all Stauffers of
Kissel Hill locations in central Pennsylvania on
September 1, 2016.
E
Home for the Holidays
Trains & Troops
Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6
onor our veterans, and the men and women
currently in uniform, while you experience many
splendid railroad and military archival displays, enjoy
patriotic music and learn the significant role railroads
played time and again in the defense of our nation.
Regular Museum hours. Included in the regular
Museum admission.
H
1940s Swing Dance
Saturday, November 5, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
ump, jive and swing to the popular Moonlighters
live band among the trains in the Railroad Museum
of Pennsylvania’s huge Rolling Stock Hall. Come
dressed in military uniform or 1940s clothing, if you
like, to revive the past! A special savings combination
ticket, per person, for the dance and both days of
Trains & Troops is $35. The dance ticket only, cost
per person, is $25. Veterans, active duty service
personnel, students and Museum members are
admitted for $20 per person. Advance tickets are
highly recommended. Stop by the Museum store
or visit the Museum website. Tickets go on sale
beginning August 1, 2016.
J
R
REAL EXCITEMENT
The Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania annually
sponsors trips to great destinations of railroading, historical, scenic and cultural
interest. Join us for a memorable excursion to take in the sights and sounds of
railroading! Check the Museum website or join our email list.
Saturday, December 3 and Saturday, December 10
ake a nostalgic glimpse at holiday rail travel
and meet costumed engineers, conductors,
ticket agents and passengers representing the
past century. Enjoy seasonal music and festive
decorations among our world-class collection of
trains. Visit Santa and send your personal telegram
to the North Pole. Regular Museum hours. Included
in the regular Museum admission.
T
Additional programs and Rambles may be
scheduled throughout the year. Proceeds benefit
the nonprofit Friends of the Railroad Museum of
Pennsylvania. Hours, admissions, events and other
activities may be subject to change without notice.
• Garden State Ramble (New Jersey): Saturday, May 17.
• Great Lakes State Ramble (Michigan): Tuesday, June 14 through Tuesday, June 21.
• Riding The Rails of Scotland: Saturday, September 10 through Wednesday, September 21.
E
xperience the awe-inspiring power of trains and the
fascinating heritage of our nation’s railroading on display
at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. There is something
for everyone to enjoy in the Museum’s family-friendly and
innovative education and preservation programs.
F R: Make your next event, large or small,
truly historic by holding it here at the Railroad Museum of
Pennsylvania. Contact the Museum clerk typist (ext 3001)
in advance for rates and reservations.
E  O P: Interactive and/or
guided reserved group education programs are offered
for elementary, middle and high school age children and
adults. The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania also offers
a merit badge in railroading, distance learning programs
and programs for educators. An outreach presentation
for your group can be arranged off site. Contact a
Museum educator (ext 3025 or 3022).
The world-class collection of more than 100 historic
locomotives and vintage railroad cars includes everything
from classic woodburners and mammoth steam locomotives
to sleek, electric-powered and diesel engines. A number of
authentic locomotives and railroad cars are open regularly
for visitors to explore.
T
ake the throttle on a simulated run in a real Norfolk
Southern freight locomotive cab, sit in an engineer’s seat,
climb aboard a caboose, explore Steinman Station early 20th
century passenger depot and telegraph office and inspect
a 62-ton locomotive from underneath. Walk 100 years back
in time past the general store, hotel and tavern, union office,
photography studio and railroader’s home.
Watch restoration activities in real time via closed circuit
TV, check out virtual tours of equipment, enjoy hands-on
activities in Stewart Junction railway education center, view
exhibits of art and artifacts in the second floor gallery and
browse the Whistle Stop Shop museum store.
T
he Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s main Rolling Stock
Hall features free Wi-Fi and is climate controlled yearround, for the comfort of visitors and the preservation of the
major artifacts. Please call ahead, visit the Railroad Museum
of Pennsylvania’s website and Facebook page or join the
email list for more information and programming updates.
G T: A Museum representative will greet your
motorcoach group upon arrival at the Railroad Museum of
Pennsylvania. Choose from among self-guided, guided
and school tours. Complimentary admission for your group
escort and motorcoach driver are standard, along with ample
on-site bus parking and a convenient boarding area. Contact
the Museum clerk typist (ext 3001) in advance for group rates
and reservations and contact a Museum educator
(ext 3025 or 3022) in advance about school tours.
C S: Hands-on, simulated train operation in an
authentic Norfolk Southern freight locomotive cab.
G: Features the Grif Teller Studio exhibit, the
Pennsylvania Railroad Board Room exhibit and various
changing exhibits throughout the year.
R’ H: Plaques commemorating the railroad
service of hundreds of individuals. To honor a loved one
or colleague with a Railroaders’ Hall plaque, pick up a
brochure in the Museum or visit the Museum website.
W S S: Museum store featuring a wonderful
variety of unique and exclusive gifts, books, DVDs, prints,
collectibles and wearables for the expert and novice
railroader. Email [email protected] or contact a store
associate (ext 3005).
R S H  R Y: The Railroad
Museum of Pennsylvania’s fascinating, premier collection
of more than 100 historic locomotives and vintage railroad
cars — made or operated in Pennsylvania — on exhibit. A
number of these significant pieces are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places.
S S: Early 20th century passenger depot
exhibit with telegraph office. Museum orientation video.
S J: Railway education center, with
challenging, fun and exciting hands-on activities and
programs for railroaders of all ages.
R S: Working vehicular preservation
facility. To ensure your safety, the Restoration Shop is
closed to visitors. However, a closed circuit TV screen
allows you to view restoration activities as they are
happening. Restoration Shop tours (additional charge) also
are available at various times throughout the year and by
advance registration for groups.
R L  A: One of the world’s
finest collections, with thousands of historic volumes
and hundreds of thousands of photographic images and
archival materials related to railroading. Researchers and
scholars should contact the Museum archives manager
(ext 3010) in advance for an appointment.
M: Join the Friends of the Railroad Museum
of Pennsylvania non-profit organization and help
preserve the rich heritage of railroading for today’s and
future generations. Friends of the Railroad Museum of
Pennsylvania members receive complimentary Museum
admission, subscription to the Milepost magazine,
invitations to special programs, discounts in the
Museum store, discounts on Museum Rambles and
voting privileges at the annual meeting. Membership
applications are available in the Museum and on the
Museum website.
C G: Many individuals, groups and
organizations choose to provide critical support for the
future of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania by making
charitable contributions. Contact the advancement
director (ext 3007) or visit the Museum website for
giving opportunities.
V: Our volunteers contribute their skills
and enthusiasm to benefit the Railroad Museum of
Pennsylvania’s collections, programs, services and
visitor experience. Volunteers receive the Crew Caller
newsletter, Museum store discounts, educational
opportunities, training, invitations to special programs,
flexible scheduling and an association with people of
shared interests and goals. A background in railroading is
not required or necessary. Contact the volunteer/program
coordinator (ext 3009) to discuss volunteering for any
number of positions.