Updated: 3/12/2010 
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Wilmington, North Carolina
Description

We tell the story of the railroads and the people who worked on them. Our particular emphasis is on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, headquartered in Wilmington for over 125 years. Attractions for all ages include historical displays, railroad life re-creations, full size steam locomotive and caboose, lively Children's Hall for young visitors, and spectacular HO model layout. Housed in an authentic 1880s freight warehouse, the Museum is fully accessible with a well appointed Gift Shop for distinctive purchases.

History

The Museum began in 1979 through the efforts of three women who wished to preserve the history and heritage of railroad times in Wilmington. Starting with a modest group of artifacts that could be viewed only two days a week, the Museum increased its collections and programs over the next 25 years to provide a wide ranging overview of railroad history, occupations, special interests, and scale model operations. Having completed a move in 2007, the Museum now occupies refurbished facilites in an original railroad building and sees about 18,000 visitors across 330 days of operation each year.

Artifact Collections

Cased collections illustrate steps in the growth of the Wilmington & Weldon Railroad (later the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad) from 1834 to 1960, occupations and "tools of the trade," special aspects of railroad life (Pullman, dining car, brotherhoods, etc.) and more. Full-size recreations describe life in maintenance-of-way activities, station agents, and clerical work. Railyard items include a 1910 steam locomotive on display, boxcar with "hobos," caboose, and original signaling items. Model demonstrations trace the evolution from 100-year-old toy trains to the latest in craftsmanship and logical controls.

Research Collections

Several library collections reinforce the Museum's viewable artifacts and exhibits. These include hundreds of bound volumes, periodicals and journals, historical and technical works, flat works (maps, charts, drawings, etc.), media collection, and art/photography. These are available by permission for research or scholarly pursuits.

Programs

The Museum regularly schedules school and adult groups for guided instructional tours. Docents are available for detailed information about railroads and their impact on economic and societal development. Scheduled tours receive discounted admission; see website for details, www.wrrm.org.

Governance

Board of Directors and a paid Executive Director.

Library

Access: General Public, Students, Scholars, Members

Appointment required: True

Services
Gift Shop
Hours of Operation

April 1 - September 30
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
October 1 - March 31
Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Admission
Museum Type(s)
DISCLAIMER
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March 31 - April 3, 2025

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April 6 - 8, 2025

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April 6 - 9, 2025

Texas Association of Museums 2025 Conference Austin

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April 27 - 29, 2025

Oregon Museum Association 2025 Conference

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