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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Happy 4th of July! In celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum proudly shares our version of “The Spirit of 1776”, a historic trolley repainted in homage to the patriotic streetcar that ran throughout Pittsburgh in the 1970s. Visit our Trolley Display Building during a visit this holiday weekend and grab a patriotic photo to commemorate the semiquincentennial!
Today’s #FlashbackFriday post is about Pittsburgh Railways 3756 - a streetcar in our collection that has a connection to Pittsburgh’s Bicentennial celebrations!
In 1976, a group of civic officials and PATransit helped us bring Pittsburgh Railways 3756 back to city for that year’s July 4th festivities. The car was given new upholstery and fresh paint, and provided old-fashioned 10 cent rides through the downtown area.
This was the first of two trips 3756 made back to the city; its second trip was for the opening of #Pittsburgh’s Light Rail system in 1987. #transit #history
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum will be OPEN for our regular operating hours this Saturday, July 4th! Stop by during your holiday weekend and join us in celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial. Not only will visitors have the chance to ride a streetcar in our collection that doesn’t operate frequently; but they can now climb aboard and explore our newest static display: a PCC wearing PAT’s iconic “Spirit of 1776” paint scheme! 🇺🇸 We look forward to welcoming you aboard during this special weekend!
This #MuseumMonday, we’re highlighting one of the operational streetcars you might ride during a visit to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum: Pittsburgh Railways Co. 1713.
This car rolled out and joined our operating fleet almost a year ago! But in the early 1980s, it was one of many that carried special paint schemes. Its origin story is quite unique, though. A young girl named Kim Sever thought that Pittsburgh should have a “terrible” trolley painted in Steelers colors, along the lines of the Terrible Towel. Nine-year-old Kim wrote to Mayor Richard Caliguiri (at the encouragement of her grandmother); and he shared her idea with the Port Authority of Allegheny County (now Pittsburgh Regional Transit).
Port Authority moved forward with the project quickly in January 1980. Within a week of receiving the mayor’s memo, they were working to paint a car in the suggested theme; and the Terrible Trolley began running the streets within just a few weeks.
Today 1713 runs again here in Washington - very appropriately, considering that it was originally purchased as an interurban car by Pittsburgh Railways Company! #VisitWashingtonPA #history #transit #pittsburgh
The weather didn’t stop us as we hosted the 2026 West Penn Trolley Meet, Hoosier Traction Meet, and Anything on Wheel events today!
A big, special thank you to the operators and volunteers who kept the trolleys moving today. They made it possible for visitors to enjoy our operating collection at its best during three Trolley Parades throughout the day.
Anything on Wheels continues tomorrow, so stop by to see antique and classic cars, special use trucks, construction vehicles, and more. A food truck will be on site; the Pittsburgh Garden Railway Society will have a layout set up for guests to enjoy; and automobiles will parade down Volunteer Boulevard at 11 AM and 2 PM! #VisitWashingtonPA #CarShow
It was a wonderful day to begin hosting the 2026 West Penn Trolley Meet and Hoosier Traction Meet! A special thank you again to all who attended today’s festive unveiling of our “Spirit of 1776” static display.
Tomorrow we will continue hosting these events as well as our annual Anything on Wheels show. (This is a rain or shine event; should any adjustments need to be made due to weather, we will announce them online as soon as possible.)
Stop in tomorrow to join us for this weekend’s planned activities, including model layout displays, our Trolley Parades, and more! #VisitWashingtonPA #CarShow #museum
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!