Railfans, also known as train enthusiasts, are sure to love the new temporary exhibit at the Museum of Fulton County.
The “All Aboard!” train exhibit opens to the public on Friday, Jan. 26 at 10 am. The interactive exhibit will allow guests to travel back in time to learn about the history of trains in the Northwest Ohio region, according to the museum.
Featuring train and depot artifacts, model trains and different hands-on activities, the exhibit will give patrons several opportunities to learn about the railway.
“Since 1852, electric trollies, steam and diesel engines have crisscrossed the county and helped each village to thrive,” John Swearingen, Jr., director of the Museum of Fulton County, said in a statement. “Our new All Aboard! train exhibit will share information about the four railroad company lines that ran through the county including the New York Central, Wabash, Detroit Toledo and Ironton, and the Toledo & Western and Toledo & Indiana electric interurban railroads (cable cars). We will also be telling the stories of local people involved with the railroad including passengers, depot employees and community members.”
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The new exhibit is held in the Worthington Gallery at the museum. Several railroad artifacts from various train depots in Fulton County will be available for viewing including tools, signals, lanterns, telegraph machines and uniforms. The Swanton Area Railroad and Model Train Club generously loaned the exhibit a working model train display. The model display depicts the Wabash and New York Central trains traveling around the beautiful Fulton County landscape.
Interactive pieces include a playhouse switch/watchtower, a monumental-sized storybook about trains and a toy train set, according to the museum.
“Guests exploring the new train exhibit will be immersed in railroad history as they meet real people from our past including postmaster Bertha Emmons, Wabash crew member Grover Merillat, telegraph operator Esther Stone, signal operator Alva Shull and many others,” Swearingen said.
The museum is holding several train-themed events in the upcoming months, including a Valentine’s Day Tea, Murder at the Museum – Mystery on the 20th Century Limited and Dining on the 20th Century Limited. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online or by calling 419-377-7922. Visit their website for more details on events.
Admission to the museum costs $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $3 for children. Children ages 6 and under are free.
For more information on the Fulton County Museum, visit https://www.museumoffultoncounty.org/.
