All Aboard for the Railway Museum
by Neighborhood-Kids.com1/7/2008 10:31:28 AM
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A day at the Bellingham Railway Museum.
One of the most fun parts of visiting the Bellingham Railway Museum is seeing people of all ages enjoying the many sights and sounds that this unique family activity in Bellingham offers. You could be a model train aficionado, a preschooler obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine, or a history buff looking to learn more about the trains that traversed Whatcom County at the turn of the twentieth century; no matter whom you might be, the Bellingham Railway Museum provides information and entertainment to a diverse community.
A great place for kids to explore.
The Museum had a “mixed start,” according to museum director Fred Dodds. After a positive public response to some garden size G gauge trains at the Bellingham Society of Model Engineers Christmas open house in 2003, a few individuals decided to take the exhibit to the American Museum of Radio and Electricity, adding a few other historical features, like maps, photographs and articles. “And people liked it,” Fred said simply. After a three month run at the AMRE, the Bellingham Railway Museum attained tax-exempt non-profit status and opened their exhibit on Commercial Street and have been for four years.
The largest attractions at the BRM are the G gauge and Lionel model railroad displays, but there are lots of other features to interest visitors. “The younger kids, around three years old, especially like the Brio wooden trains and tracks,” Fred explained. “They can use their imaginations to create their own universe.” There’s also a Thomas the Tank Engine that small conductors can ride and a video station for train cartoons and videos.
Drive the train simulator.
The older kids (adults included) like the new computerized train simulator, which is the closest most of us will ever come to driving a real locomotive. Posted along the walls at the museum, you’ll also find photographs and descriptions about the history of railroading in Whatcom and Skagit counties, from 1883 to the present. The newest exhibit features railroad lanterns, some of which date back to the turn of the century. “We also keep plenty of information and magazines on hand for anyone interested in starting a collection of model trains,” Fred added. “We’re always anxious to help people learn about making and setting up model trains.”
The G Gauge Train.
Fred has been helping to run the museum since its inception, which is clear when he interacts with visitors of all ages. “When people and families become museum members, they’ll come in once or sometimes twice a week. Even if they’re not members, we’ll still see them on a pretty regular basis. And it’s great to see the kids and get to know what they’re going to want to do every time they come,” he said as he greeted a young visitor with a hug.
Chris Hadley, a father of two, recently brought his kids to the museum for the first time. “We’ve been here for more than an hour and they’re still having a great time,” he said. His kids, ages 5 and 3, especially enjoyed running the interactive Lionel model trains and the Thomas the Tank play area during their visit. “We were looking for something to do this afternoon and the price was right.”
Admission costs for the Bellingham Railway Museum are $5/families of four, $3/adults, $1/ages 3 to 16, and free for children under 3 and museum members. There’s also a gift shop with Museum merchandise and other railway paraphernalia to purchase.
There's plenty to see and learn at the Railway Museum.
Parents can also schedule birthday parties and other special events for kids during off hours. It’s one of the ways that helps the museum off-set expenses like rent and utilities. Along with profits from admissions (“Our low prices haven’t changed in four years,” Fred noted), the Bellingham Railway Museum functions primarily from donations and membership. “The model trains are expensive, and thanks to the support of the community, we’re at a point where we’re able to cover our expenses.” With continued and increased support, Fred and the rest of the museum volunteers hope to continue to update and add to their model train collection and historical information for the community to enjoy.
The Bellingham Railway Museum is located at 1320 Commercial Street. Its hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 PM. For more information, call (360) 393-7540 or visit their website.