|
|
|
            Last site update 5/7/2012 |
The Houston Endowment has provided grant funds in the amount of $50,000 to assist the museum in designing strategies that will increase its influence, educational value, and patronage within the greater Houston community. The first step in this process was an exhibit design study undertaken by DG Studios of Houston. The consultants have taken our existing collection and with the help of the Board of Directors suggested specific additions and interpretive strategies to improve the museum's visitor experience. The final report can be accessed by clicking HERE. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the new locational configuration of the museum, the exhibit design study was kept relatively non-specific with respect to a site layout. Actually this is a relatively easy task since the majority of our museum experience is-and will continue to be- located inside a railcar. The rail cars themselves are the museum. To the extent funding and site footprint allow, the study envisions a visitor center built as a vintage railroad station as a second phase of the expansion. The new additions to the collection deemed to be most important were (a) a dining car,(b) a passenger locomotive, (c) a business car or a private car. The study identified three primary audiences for the museum: (a) individuals particularly interested in railroading, (2) individuals interesed in the history of Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast, and (3) families just looking for an entertaining attraction. The interpretive improvements suggested by the consultant focus on these three groups. Houston Railroad Museum is closed for relocation to a new site! Information about our future plans will be posted here. Our mission: To preserve, enjoy and share with the public the memory, history and experience of railroading, particularly Texas railroading, as it has been and as it is now. Gulf Coast Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc. strives to fulfill its mission at the Houston Railroad Museum, which is currently closed for relocation. It features an interesting collection of railroad locomotives, cars and other artifacts, as well as a model railroad and research library. For more information, use the links at left. Support our efforts: Become a member or make a donation.  The Houston Railroad Museum is operated by Gulf Coast Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Inc., which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas. Most donations to the museum are tax deductible. Entire website copyright © 2012 Gulf Coast Chapter NRHS Inc. unless noted otherwise. |
