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
Follow us to stay up-to-date on museum news!
We`ve been nominated for BEST Museum and BEST Place for Kids by @pittsburghmagazine PghMag! Please vote and share, your support means the world to us! Check the link in bio for the link to vote.
#NationalVolunteerMonth lasts all April long, but our operators and museum guides deserve applause year-round for their dedication!
A ticket to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum always includes a trolley ride thanks to our operators. Whether operating during a regular day or during a special event, they ensure that all our visitors enjoy their 4-mile ride through Washington.
Both our operators and our Trolley Display Building guides are also here to answer questions about the Trolley Era and the cars in our collection. They’re a well of knowledge, so never hesitate to ask them something during your visit!
Interested in joining this fantastic crew? Learn more about volunteering at our website (link’s in our bio!). #museum #history #transit #VisitWashingtonPA
Did you know that we have nine PCCs in our collection? Today’s #MuseumMonday is about PATransit 4004.
When some of Pittsburgh’s South Hills trolley lines were being upgraded to light rail standards, the Port Authority undertook a program to remanufacture 1949-vintage PCC cars for use on the Library and Overbrook routes. The program ended with only a dozen rebuilds, due to cost realities. The rebuilt PCCs - including 4004 - were essentially new cars, with all-new electrical and running gear (still in type and style that they were originally equipped with).
In September 1999, car 4004 was the last PCC to operate in revenue service, ending 63 years of PCC car operation in Pittsburgh. It was donated to us by the Port Authority - they also stored the car until our Trolley Display Building was completed. #pittsburgh #trolley #transit #streetcar
Happy #Easter to all who celebrate!
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum will be closed today (April 5) in observance of the holiday. We look forward to welcoming visitors again during our spring operating hours this coming Thursday through Sunday. #HolidayHours #VisitWashingtonPA
Happy #NationalVolunteerMonth! This observance is all about celebrating and recognizing the contributions of volunteers like ours. We have over 200 volunteers supporting us in a variety of ways.
For example, our special events are incredibly popular with the public, and are kept on track by our dedicated volunteer team! Volunteers help us welcome thousands of visitors annually while sharing the stories of the Trolley Era. They also help the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum connect with communities and represent us at outreach events.
With fun events like Bunny Trolley (happening right now!), the West Penn Trolley Meet, the Washington County Fair, and more coming up in 2026, now is the perfect time to get involved and join our volunteer team! #pittsburgh #volunteer #museum #history
#FlashbackFriday: To a summer day in 1985, when PCCs still ran in downtown Pittsburgh. This particular photo shows a Port Authority Transit streetcar running southbound on Wood Street at 5th Avenue.
This shot was taken on June 3 - about one month before surface-level streetcar service ended in downtown Pittsburgh. The last day of operations was July 6; and the then-new light rail subway underneath downtown was used moving forward. #pittsburgh #trolley #streetcar #transit
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!