The Ohio Railway Museum began in 1945, when a group of train enthusiasts called the Central Ohio Railfan's Association (CORA) met at the old Columbus Union Station to share their love of all things railroad. By 1948, that passion took shape in Worthington, Ohio, where the group founded the museum on the historic Columbus, Delaware & Marion (CD&M) railbed. First built in 1901, this line carried passengers and freight until 1933. That link to authentic, working rail history makes ORM one of the oldest railway museums in the United States! Our very first artifact, Ohio Public Service Interurban Car #21, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it set the tone for everything we do: preserving Ohio's electric railway heritage and sharing the stories of how railroads shaped our state and our nation.

Over the years, our collection has grown to include streetcars, interurbans, steam and diesel locomotives, and a wide range of rail artifacts. Standout pieces include the CD&M parlor car #501, affectionately known as "The Red Bird," and Norfolk & Western No. 578, an E2a Pacific class steam locomotive. Like many long-running organizations, we've seen our share of highs and lows, from leadership changes to lean years. Through it all, our dedicated volunteers have kept the museum going, and today we are moving forward with renewed momentum and a clear vision to carry on the mission that began in 1948!

Our mission is simple yet profound: to educate and to preserve.

Education is at the heart of everything we do. As caretakers of a unique and historic rail collection, we have a deep responsibility to both the past and the future to keep the knowledge of this industry alive. Driven by a passion for trains and their cultural importance, we research, organize, display, and share the stories that bring the rich history of railroads and their impact on society to life.

Preservation is our most demanding work, and it ensures this history stays accessible and intact for generations to come. We spend countless hours maintaining and expanding our collection and the infrastructure that supports it, working tirelessly to keep our exhibits safe, operational, and enduring. None of it would be possible without the support of our visitors. Every ticket sold, every purchase made, and every donation given directly sustains our efforts to keep rail history alive and thriving!

Together, through education and preservation, we ensure that the legacy of the railroads lives on.

The Ohio Railway Museum is an all-volunteer-run nonprofit, powered by passionate people dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of railroading. Our volunteers bring deep knowledge and a genuine love of railway history to everything they do, creating engaging, educational experiences that delight visitors of all ages. Their time and dedication keep the museum running and the stories alive. If you share our enthusiasm for preservation, we'd love for you to join us! New volunteers are always welcome to help us protect this vital link to the past.