Visit the Ohio Railway Museum

Vision for the Future: Progress Update

Since announcing our expansion plans on National Train Day 2025, the Ohio Railway Museum has continued to make meaningful progress across the property. Visitors will notice active infrastructure improvements, preservation work, and restoration projects taking place in many areas of the museum. At the same time, our volunteer corps continues to grow, providing essential support for an organization powered entirely by volunteers. If you have not visited recently, you will see just how much has changed, and we look forward to welcoming you back to experience that progress firsthand.

• Pole and Overhead System Work: Our new pole installation is complete. After spring storms brought down five of the old poles and took the overhead system out of service, we removed the trolley wire and supporting infrastructure and began the process of reconditioning the hardware for installation on the new poles. This work will support the new track plan outlined in the Vision for the Future.
• Historic Building Stabilization: We have secured the assistance of a structural engineer and completed surveys of the Section House and the Scale House. Preparation is now underway to stabilize both buildings and install new roofs. A considerable amount of work has already taken place within these structures, as necessary demolition had to be completed before the survey work could move forward. There is still much to be done before these buildings can be opened to the public, but we look forward to sharing that progress with our visitors.
• Property Rights and Site Cleanup: The museum’s efforts to establish and protect its property rights continue. Several illegal structures have already been removed, and work is ongoing to remove the remaining ones through the proper legal process. While this is an issue that should never have become a concern, the museum remains committed to doing what is necessary to protect its property and preserve the integrity of the site.
• Track and Bridge Work: Work is also moving forward on track and bridge projects across the property. These efforts are an important part of improving infrastructure and supporting the museum’s long-term plans. Be sure to check out our bridge tie fundraiser for a chance to directly support this work.
• Volunteer Momentum: Our volunteer corps continues to grow, and that growth is helping support progress across the museum. Their efforts remain essential to advancing these projects.