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In with the new at trolley museum

3 min read
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Since forming almost 65 years ago, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has been bringing the past to future generations by preserving transportation of a bygone era.

The facility in Chartiers Township continued to blend the old with the new Friday when officials unveiled an 88-year-old renovated streetcar alongside plans for $16 million in upgrades.

The museum, which has quietly been fundraising for more than a year, formally launched the “On Track for the Future” campaign, of which almost $10 million already has been raised toward a $16 million goal.

“Most museums struggle. We’re turning people away,” said Tom Rooney, museum board of trustee member. Rooney was referencing the museum’s popular Daniel Tiger’s Weekend in May, in which visitors had to be turned away because so many people showed up.

“We give people a great experience,” said Rooney.

By Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter

Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter

Scott Becker, left, executive director of the trolley museum, and state Rep. Tim O’Neal, R-South Strabane, converse in front of the restored West Penn Railways Streetcar No. 832. The “Miss Brackenridge” served several towns before running in Washington County from Charleroi to Pittsburgh and then from Pittsburgh to Washington before the museum was founded.

A more immersive experience is what the museum plans to offer. Working with the Carnegie Science Center, museum staff and leadership are creating interactive, STEM-related displays, said Scott Becker, museum executive director.

“The visitors and students of today are not the visitors and students of 20 to 30 years ago,” he said. “Museums need to change.”

The campaign will fund interactive displays as well as a shift of the main entrance from 1 Museum Road, across from the Washington County Fairgrounds, to the East Campus, near the Eaton Crouse Hinds facility at 2800 North Main Street, about a mile away. The new welcome center will be located there, along with the J. Barry Stout Park, which will include an outdoor classroom and gazebo, and Trolley Street, a brick two-track street.

“We’ve outgrown our facilities,” said Becker, who added they have about 21 acres to work with.

The museum draws more than 31,000 visitors a year who can view a 50-car collection and take a ride on one of 20 operational cars on four miles of track.

Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter

Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter

Arthur S. Ellis, 98, rode Streetcar No. 832 in 1954 and got to ride it again Friday during the unveiling. “It’s quite impressive,” he said. “It looks better today than it did then.”

The restored West Penn Railways streetcar No. 832 unveiled Friday is the newest operational car available.

The 1930 streetcar originally ran from Aspinwall to New Kensington and Tarentum, and was named the “Miss Brackenridge.” It was one of the first three cars that arrived at the museum in 1954, and has been under active restoration by volunteers for decades.

While that project is finally complete, expansion of the museum will be done in phases, said Becker. The museum is still waiting to hear if $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funds will be released for the project, which will allow building construction to commence. Either way, work will begin on a connector street and on the park this summer.

Becker said permits from the state Department of Transportation have been secured for the entrance on North Main Street.

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