History That Connects Us
A day at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museums is a full sensory experience, from the ring of the bell to the hum and shake of the trolley as it rides down the tracks. Our Museum brings a unique experience to visitors of all generations, connecting us all to the past. From the moment they arrive, our visitors enter a world of timeless memories, historic innovations, and interactive discoveries.
@patrolleymuseum
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For #MuseumMonday we’re highlighting West Penn Railways 739 - a 100-year-old trolley with quite the history!
739 was built in 1925 and retired from service in 1952. After spending 27 years serving West Penn Railways, this car spent 36 years as a home! It eventually made its way to our museum in 1989.
Since being placed on exhibit in the Trolley Display Building, volunteers have done extensive work on the exterior of the car. Thanks to their efforts, you’d never know at first glance that 739 spent more time as a house than as an operating streetcar!
#history #museum #trolley #streetcar #transit
#FlashbackFriday: To 1979, when Ralph Curcio snapped this shot of SEPTA PCC car 2726 about to turn into Lawndale Loop at Rising Avenue and Knorr Street. The location of this photo also gives us a clue about the time of day it was taken, because the section of route 50 from Rising Sun Ave. and Olney Ave. to Lawndale Loop was only used during rush hour. #history #transit #trolley #streetcar #philadelphia
Happy Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day!
Celebrated on Mr. Rogers’ birthday, today is a reminder to share kindness with those around us - whether it’s a friendly smile, a helping hand, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the people in our lives.
How will you spread kindness today?
#WontYouBeMyNeighborDay #WontYouBeMyNeighbor #FredRogers #MisterRogers #BeKind
There’s so much to do at the Museum this spring! Take a look through these photos and our captions below to learn more about our events for visitors of all ages.
You can read about all our events and get tickets for them on our website (link in bio).
🚜 Trolley Tots- Join us on the Third Thursday of every month to learn about transportation through songs, stories, and more! In April, we’ll learn about tractors and, in May, we’ll learn about rockets!
🎶 Sensory Friendly Hours- Once a month on a Sunday, you can enjoy the Museum with quieter streetcars, lowered exhibit sounds, and soft lighting. This event is included with General Admission and does not require special tickets.
🐰 Bunny Trolley (April 11-13, 18-19)- Meet the Easter Bunny, pet the live rabbits of the Four-Leaf 4-H Club, spot the giant Easter eggs hidden along our trolley line, and more! Sponsored by @sarriscandies
🚃 Free Museum Day (May 4)- Enjoy the Museum for free thanks to the Jack Buncher Foundation! Reserve your free tickets on our website.
💃🏽 The New Roaring ‘20s Speakeasy (May 16)- Join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and some good old-fashioned fun! Enjoy live music, dancing, fine spirits, and sweet treats. Sponsored by Wabtec.
🎨 Street Fair (May 17-18)- Enjoy classic fair activities like face painting, balloon art, and performances from our magicians and street performers.
We’ll also have live music, food trucks, and booths with games and art projects for kids! This event is sponsored by Wabtec.
🚙 Anything on Wheels (June 7-8)- Come see dozens of vehicles including antique and classic cars, special use trucks, construction vehicles, and even some vintage boats on trailers! This event is included with General Admission and does not require special tickets.
#patrolleymuseum #thingstodopittsburgh #visitwashingtonpa
Attention Museum Members: check your email for last week`s invitation to our Members Day event on Saturday, April 5!
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at our Artifact Preservation Building, the Kathryn & David Black Transit Archives, and our Reliance Warehouse, home to our mobile equipment and a few trolleys waiting for restoration.
Read more about this event and our many Member benefits on our website (link in bio, click on "Events & Programs," and then scroll to this event`s page). This page also has instructions for members who may be missing the invitation from their inbox.
#patrolleymuseum
Join us this Thursday, March 20th, for our March Trolley Tots. This month is all about our favorite two-wheeled vehicles: bicycles and motorcycles! Our friends from Steel City Harley-Davidson will be joining us!
Trolley Tots is designed for early learners (children ages 2-5) and one accompanying adult to discover different types of transportation through sensory play, stories, crafts, music, and getting up-close with the vehicle of the month! Space is limited, so advance purchase is recommended.
For more info and to register, visit our website: https://pa-trolley.org/event/trolley-tots/2025-03-20/
Education
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum provides unique, exciting, and fun educational opportunities for students, educators, and life-long learners! Our museum is dedicated to sharing stories, insight, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) themed opportunities and experiences that will bring the trolley era to life. Check out our Education page to learn about field trip opportunities, Scout workshops, summer camps, and more!
History
Take a ride into the past at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum where the trolley era is alive and well. The Museum uses daily tours, interactive exhibits, multidimensional programming, and special events throughout the year to transport visitors back in time. Our history and STEAM exhibits tell the stories of the people, places, and things that made the trolley era such an exciting and unique time to be alive!
Collection
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is focused on preserving and restoring our collection of antique streetcars. The Museum was founded in 1953 and has continued to conserve, preserve, and restore cars through a mostly volunteer effort. Today, we house a collection of 50 streetcars, many of which are operational and used for daily rides. Visit our Collection page to learn more about all of our different trolleys!