Those who are interested in the history of railroads will find numerous train museums to choose from throughout the state. Museums offer historical exhibits, model railroads, and themed train rides. They offer fun experiences for the entire family.
During the early 1900’s, rails were the key to the country’s growth, and towns developed with each rail stop. Those who worked on a train could be lonely, and rail life could be poor. As towns became larger, populations changed and labor unions developed in later years.
The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey (UHRS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. Its mission is to preserve key railroad artifacts. UHRS was formed in 1980 and is governed by representatives of several NJ-based railroad historical societies. It plans to restore 65 historic trains. It recently acquired a preserved locomotive from the waterfront industries of Hoboken. It plans to build an indoor display building and track so people can ride restored trains.
The Whippany Railway Museum is located in Whippany, NJ and is home to dozens of historic railcars. It also has the largest collection of American-built standard gauge steam locomotives in New Jersey. It has also hosted several displays of private railroad equipment.
The Whippany Railway Museum is a nonprofit organization that has been educating the public for more than thirty years. It is located at 1 Railroad Plaza in Whippany, NJ. The museum features restored railcars and a 1904 Freight House. It also has an operating train model layout. There are also a 1911 Watch Box, air raid sirens, and signal gates. There is also a picnic area and a gift shop. The museum is open daily. There is also an excursion train ride throughout the year.
The Morris County Central Railroad was a steam tourist railroad that operated in Whippany, NJ from 1965 to 1973. The railroad was founded by Earle H. Gil, Sr., a former aerospace technician from Parsippany. Gil hoped the railroad would become financially successful. It was also the state’s first steam excursion train.
The Morris County Central Railroad Museum is located across the passenger station. The museum’s goal is to display the history of the Morris County area railroads. Some of the artifacts on display include tools, appliances, and railroad china. The museum also has a semaphore donated by the Lackawanna Railroad. The museum also houses an order board from the Susquehanna Railroad.
The United Railroad Historical Society of New NJ (UHRS) is a statewide nonprofit organization. The organization has a goal to restore 65 historic trains and to build a state-of-the-art transportation museum. The organization plans to lease a 35-acre site in Phillipsburg. UHRS will also store and restore antique trains in a 6,600-square-foot building that they purchased last month. The museum has sold out its first round of train trips on the Hudson River in less than eight minutes.
There are many other train museums in New Jersey. Some of them offer themed train rides, and other offer historical exhibits and miniature fantasy lands.
