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.
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For #MuseumMonday we thought we’d ask a fun question that ties back to our collection: what do you think of when you think about Mister Rogers and streetcars?
An immediate image that comes to mind is that of his Neighborhood Trolley - an open car painted red. Our own open car is painted yellow, but certainly bears a striking resemblance!
Fred Rogers also filmed an episode of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” here at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum (back when we were known as the Arden Trolley Museum). During his visit he posed and took photographs with Pittsburgh Railways 3756; then got behind the controls of Philadelphia Rapid Transit 5326 and went for a ride down the line.
Which means that when you mention Mister Rogers, staff and volunteers might think of three different cars in our own collection - not just the little red Neighborhood Trolley! #trolley #streetcar #MisterRogers
Trolley curling is our new favorite sport! We`re working hard to get that gold medal!
P.S. did anyone else see the Milan trams in the opening ceremony? 🚋🧡
#olympics #museum #milanocortina2026
Feel like the year is flying by already? Grab a 2026 Western Pennsylvania Trolley Calendar and take it day by day! Grab one from the PTM Store - online or in-person! Visit shoppatrolley.org for handpicked items from our marvelous museum shop.
Hop on over for a spring-tastic time at Bunny Trolley! 🐰🌼🐣
Hunt for giant eggs hidden along the landscape on a trolley ride, enjoy a festive snack and craft, and meet the Easter Bunny himself! Also, pet live rabbits with the Four-Leaf 4-H Club.
This year`s event runs on March 27-29 and April 3-4. Tickets are on sale now on our website (link in bio),
#VisitWashingtonPA #PATrolleyMuseum #ThingsToDoPittsburgh
Today’s #BlackHistoryMonth story highlights how employees in transit - not just riders - faced inequities throughout history.
In 1944, the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC) hired eight African American men as motormen and conductors during a labor shortage (caused when men went to serve in World War II).
White transit employees went on strike on August 1st, refusing to work with the new hires. The strike brought transit in Philadelphia to a halt, which in turn halted any related war support and productions.
In response, on August 3, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorized his Secretary of War to take control of the PTC; and Major-General Philip Hayes was put in charge of the PTC’s operations. Hayes issued an ultimatum that any workers continuing to strike would be sent to the Army, or fired and denied job availability certificates by the War Manpower Commission, dependent on the age of the worker.
The ultimatum worked - it’s said that work attendance at the PTC was never higher. An armed soldier was also posted on every streetcar, bus, subway, and El car. These troops stayed in Philadelphia until the 17th, when training had ended for the eight African American hires.
📷 (1): Former musician James Stewart is trained by William Poisell. Stewart is the first African American to be trained as an operator of trolley cars. Courtesy of Philadelphia PA: Temple University Libraries.
📷 (2): Members of the Army’s Signal Corp post notices of the War Department’s seizure of the PTC fleet on Philadelphia’s trolleys.
#transit #trolley #streetcar #history
There`s still time to register for our Volunteer Open House this Saturday! ✨
At this free event you can try trolley operation, see our Maintenance & Restoration shop, and learn how you can join our team. Our volunteers operate historic streetcars, educate groups, help with special events, and do so much more. There`s something for everyone to enjoy!
Sign up on our website (link in bio).
#PATrolleyMuseum #VisitWashingtonPA #MuseumVolunteers #ThingsToDoPittsburgh
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!