Summer Programs Announced
Summer’s coming, along with a full schedule of exciting, family friendly activities at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania! Join us!
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NORFOLK & WESTERN LOCOMOTIVE NO. 611 TOUR
Daily through May 14. Call ahead to book tickets at (717) 687-8628, ext 3004, or inquire as to tour times and availability when you arrive at the Museum.
Discover the history of the Norfolk & Western class J locomotive No. 611 during this specially-designed tour, including how and why this beautiful engine was saved, an in-depth look at its restoration to operating condition, the impact it has on the railroading community and how the N&W No. 611 has become an ambassador of steam, in partnership with various railroad museums and tourist railroads.
The 90-minute tour also includes a tour of the Museum restoration shop and is limited to 12 persons ages 12 and over. The cost per person per tour is $25.00, in addition to the regular Museum admission. Tour goers are advised to wear safe shoes and otherwise dress accordingly for the outdoor train yard and restoration shop.
The Norfolk & Western locomotive No. 611 is currently on exhibit at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania through May 14 in collaboration with the Virginia Museum of Transportation.
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RAILROAD ARTIST PRESENTATION & BOOK SIGNING
Wednesday, May 10. Register here.
Craig Thorpe, noted railroad artist and the author of the new book “Railroads, Art, and American Life: An Artist’s Memoir” will give a free presentation and book signing.
Advance registration is required for in person or Zoom attendance. Please note that registration is for the presentation only and the ticket does not include Museum admission. Regular Museum admission rates apply and may be paid at the admissions desk on the day of the visit. Current Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania membership does apply to Museum admission.
Craig Thorpe explores the past, present and future of rail travel through his fascinating, and much sought after, works of art. In his new book, his personal story and paintings depict not only the golden age of train travel but also the role that railroads play in our society today and looking forward. This 260-page, hardback volume features 130 color illustrations. The cost of the book is only $40.00 each, or $34.00 each for current members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Order the book here.
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SENSORY HOURS
Tuesday, May 16. Register here.
Tuesday, June 13. Register here.
Tuesday, June 27. Register here.
Tuesday, August 8. Register here.
Tuesday, August 22. Register here.
The Museum reduces lighting and sounds and maintains a low attendance, with quiet spaces set up for breaks, for children and other individuals with special sensory needs. A few of the historic trains will be open, with Museum staff present to answer questions. The cost is $7.00 per person for ages 3 and up and is free of charge for ages 2 and under, personal assistant aides and current members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
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RAILROADING MERIT BADGE WORKSHOPS
Saturday, June 17, for ages 11 to 17. Register here.
Saturday, August 12, for ages 11 to 17. Register here.
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is the perfect setting for boys and girls to learn and earn the railroading merit badge through the use of historic artifacts and images, model trains and behind the scenes tours. The cost is $24.00 for a 2 pack — 1 individual scout and 1 adult — and $54.00 for a 4 pack — 3 individual scouts and 1 adult.
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READING RAILROAD DAYS
Wednesday, June 28 to Sunday, July 2 and Wednesday, July 5 to Saturday, July 8.
This annual event highlights the historic Reading Railroad with an enormous, detailed HO scale model train layout of the Reading Railroad, operated by members of the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society. Visitors also may view historic Reading Company equipment from the Museum’s premier collection. Included in the regular Museum admission.
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BARONS & BUILDERS SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14, for ages 9 and 10: Register here. The deadline for registration is June 16.
Tuesday, July 25 to Friday, July 28, for ages 11 and 12: SOLD OUT!
Register your child today for the engaging and popular Barons & Builders summer day camp. Spaces are limited. Barons & Builders summer day campers develop new skills, make friends and have fun when they experience the Museum’s historic railroad equipment on special, behind-the-scenes guided tours, learn about the Museum’s treasured artifacts and take a ride on the neighboring Strasburg Rail Road.
Campers receive a camp t-shirt and a Lionel model boxcar for a guided craft project, spend time with a special guest talking about their career in railroading and model railroading and collaborate with other campers to solve challenges, interacting in a safe, guided manner. The cost per camper is $200.00 regular admission and $175.00 for current members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
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MODEL RAILROADING DAYS
Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20.
Experience a world of model trains in action with operating layouts and static displays in different gauges from a variety of participating model train enthusiast groups and clubs. The Museum’s own Pennsylvania Middle Division and Pennsylvania Landscapes operating HO scale layouts also are featured. Included in the regular Museum admission.
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ADIRONDACKS RAMBLE
Wednesday, October 4 to Saturday, October 7. Click here for the brochure/registration form. The deadline for registration is June 4.
This custom-designed tour in scenic upstate New York features a visit to Steamtown National Historic Site, two one-way rides on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, a roundtrip ride on the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad, a guided tour of Great Camp Sagamore, a dinner cruise on Racquette Lake and a visit to the Adirondack Experience museum.
Also included are roundtrip motorcoach transportation from central Pennsylvania, three nights hotel accommodations and three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners. The rate for current members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania begins at $1,489.00 per person double occupancy. The non-member rate begins at $1,534.00 per person double occupancy.
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BRANDYWINE HOLIDAY RAMBLE
Sunday, December 3. Click here for the brochure/registration form. The deadline for registration is August 31.
This customized day trip includes admission to the Brandywine River Museum, which will be opening early, especially and exclusively for our group. There will be plenty of time to enjoy a continental breakfast at the museum, the detailed, holiday train layout, which is constructed and operated by a dedicated group of volunteers, and the many exhibits from the renowned Wyeth family of artists.
Also included are roundtrip motorcoach transportation from central Pennsylvania, a brunch at the historic Mendenhall Inn and a 1½-hour roundtrip ride aboard the Wilmington & Western Railroad. The rate for current members of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is $259.00 per person. The non-member rate is $279.00 per person.
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