Railroaders Memorial Museum

When Altoona lost the bid for the Commonwealth of Altoona Pennsylvania’s Railroad Museum in 1965, that didn’t stop local people from pursuing a Railroad Museum for Altoona.

• 1966 - An ad is placed in the Altoona Mirror searching for parties interested in establishing a Railroad Museum for Altoona.
• 1967 - The group formed the Altoona Railway Museum Club and adopted the name Altoona Railway Museum Association.
• 1968 - The National Railway Historical Society grants a charter to the association. Chapter members begin collecting railroad memorabilia, displaying historical objects at civic events, etc.
• 1972 - The name Railroaders Memorial Museum is officially incorporated.
• 1975 - Museum acquires the private rail car of Charles M. Schwab - The Loretto. The Altoona Redevelopment Authority sold the former Penn Central Railroad shop complex land to the Center Associates, agreeing that Center Associates make a 5-acre plot available for the Museum.
• 1979 - Ground-breaking ceremonies are held on May 12th.
• 1980 - Museum celebrates grand opening on September 21st.
• 1985 - The Museum acquired the PRR K4 #1361 locomotive and moved it from the Horseshoe Curve to Altoona for restoration.
• 1987-1988 - K4’s excursions haul thousands as the “Pride of Altoona” returns to the rails.
• 1993 - The Museum acquires a former PRR master mechanics building and an adjoining parcel of land.
• 1995 - Renovations to the master mechanics building begin.
• 1997 - Exhibit fabrication and installation work begin.
• 1998 - Grand opening of the new Railroaders Memorial Museum held on April 25th.