PA Trolley Museum

Magic Pumpkin Trolley
2025-10-11 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-10 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Our magical pumpkin patch adventure returns!
Sponsored by L.B. Foster
Join us for this special event and embark on a trolley to our pumpkin patch, where children can plant a magic seed of our special invention. Then, after another trolley ride through our beautiful fall scenery, the pumpkins will have magically grown to their full size! Children will also have the chance to decorate their mini-pumpkin before taking it home.
Magic Pumpkin Trolley runs from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm on October 10-12 and 17-19, with the last trolley to the Magic Pumpkin Patch leaving at 3:25 pm each day. Other activities include children’s holiday games, complimentary refreshments, and opportunities to explore the interactive exhibits in our new Welcome & Education Center. Add to the fun by dressing up in your favorite costume! We’re also excited to be hosting a fall-themed LEGO display from Steel City LUG.
Book online now!
Members must purchase tickets through their Neon One membership portal to receive the discount. Log in here and select “Member Discount Tickets” from the menu.
Admission to the museum on these dates requires the purchase of special tickets for $22 per person. Visitors 2 and under may attend this event for free. Some time slots may sell out – advance purchase recommended.
Each ticket includes:

1 trolley ride to the Magic Pumpkin Patch
Exhibits and games in our Welcome & Education Center and Trolley Display Building
Complimentary refreshments and craft supplies to decorate pumpkins with
Unlimited regular trolley rides on the city loop (8-10 minutes, not to the pumpkin patch) until the last one leaves at 4:15 pm

Only children ages 3-17 will receive at voucher that can be redeemed at the Magic Pumpkin Patch for a pumpkin. If you wish to take home an extra pumpkin or a pumpkin for an Adult, Senior, or visitor under 2, you will be able to purchase an additional Magic Pumpkin voucher for $4 per pumpkin.
This is a rain or shine event. Visitors should plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before their ticket time.
In addition to this great event, we will once again offer trolley rides at the Washington County Fairgrounds during the Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival on October 17-19 and 25-26. Trolley rides from the fair will cost $5 per person and children 2 and under are free. This service does not represent or include the Magic Pumpkin Trolley activities nor admission to the Museum.

PTM Brick Club
2025-10-09 10:30 - 12:00
Calling all Homeschoolers: Join us for PTM’s Brick Club on select Thursdays this fall!
Who can attend Brick Club? PTM’s Brick Club is designed for Homeschool students between the ages 6 – 14. Brick Club is for kids only! Parents, you can drop your child off at the Ray Betler Classroom a few minutes before 10:30 AM and then pick them up promptly at 12:00 PM.
What is Brick Club? Brick Club offers children positive, meaningful social experiences in a fun, playful, and accepting environment. It’s great for children who enjoy building with LEGO® bricks. Brick Club is the perfect spot for children to have fun and make new friends while developing their communication skills, building their confidence, and working on their social and emotional well-being.
Each Brick Club meeting includes one trolley ride!
Monthly Themes

October 9th: Down On The Farm
November 6th: Planes, Trains, and Trolleys
December 11th: Santa’s Workshop

Where is Brick Club? Brick Club will be held at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, located at 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA 15301. Check-in at the Ray Betler Classroom.
How many children will be attending Brick Club? Brick Club is capped at a total of 24 students per session.
How much does Brick Club Cost? Brick Club costs $10 per child to participate. Please note that general admission is not included with the cost of the program.
How do I register? Click here to register! Please call the museum at 724-228-9256 ext. 6011 if you need assistance with registration.
PTM Brick Club is part of Project Baseplate: a partnership between Center for Transformational Play at Carnegie Mellon University
(CTP) and Play Included.

For more information, check out this article!

Sensory Friendly Hours
2025-10-05 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Explore the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in a sensory modified setting with quieter streetcars, lowered exhibit sounds, and soft lighting. Advanced registration is not required for this event. Tickets will be available at our regular admission prices.

Adults: $20
Seniors (ages 62+): $19
Children (ages 3-18): $15
Toddler (ages 2 and under): Free
Members: Free

Available Resources
In addition, silicone bracelets will be made available in both adult and child sizes to assist with non-verbal communication, particularly for individuals who have autism, sensory processing difficulties, or anxiety. The wristbands are designed to provide a visual indicator of comfort levels and engagement preferences.

Red bracelets indicate that the wearer may be feeling overwhelmed or anxious and does not wish to engage in any conversation. They may wish to explore the museum at their own pace.
Yellow bracelets indicate that the wearer may feel uncertain about interactions. They may prefer limited engagement while navigating the museum at their own pace.
Green bracelets indicate that the wearer is comfortable and open to interaction with others.

Furthermore, guests will have access to complimentary Sensory Bags. These bags, which may be requested at the front desk located in the museum store, include noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, sensory items, and a sensory guide. A valid photo ID will be required for the loan, which will be held by the museum until the sensory bag is returned.

With the help of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, PTM is pleased to provide Sensory Guides that can be used to help offer insight to guests on the sensory stimulation of different parts of the museum. These include touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell. This guide is available online. Physical copies are also available at the museum.

Questions about this event? Please call 724-228-9256 or email visitorservices@patrolley.org

Farewell Ride on Cleveland's Rail Fleet: Excursion
2025-10-04 08:30 - 15:00
Farewell Ride on Cleveland’s Rail Fleet: Cleveland Excursion
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is offering a chance to bid goodbye to GCRTA’s rail car roster that’s retiring after 40 plus years of service. In the next year, a single car-type will take over the job on all routes.
Our excursion meets in Cleveland at Tower City Saturday morning, October 4, at 8:30 AM and will cover all three rail lines. The exact meeting location will be sent after registration. The trip is scheduled to wrap up just before 3:00 PM. Tickets are required to join the trip.
The excursion will take a Tokyu heavy rail car to inspect the Windermere – Airport Red Line. Next, we’ll receive a tour of the Central Rail Shop to see what it takes to keep transit cars on the road. Lastly, we’ll board a Breda light rail car to ride over the Shaker Heights Blue and Green Lines. Many photo opportunities are planned.
Tickets are $75 per person. A limited number of tickets for children ages 12 and under are available at $10 per child. A portion of your ticket will support the restoration of PTM’s Shaker Heights Rapid Transit 94 to full operation.
Sign up early as seating is limited!
Reach out to Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org with any questions.
Tickets
Tickets are available online here!

Photo: GCRTA

Free Kids: Fall Edition
2025-09-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-26 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-25 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
It’s almost time for Free Kids: Fall Edition!

During the last two weeks of September 2025, we’re offering free admission to kids ages 0-17!
Enjoy a scenic 4-mile round-trip ride on an antique trolley, discover our collection of historic streetcars in our Trolley Display Building, and explore our interactive games and exhibits in our Welcome & Education Center. Also, dive into trolley history with a guided tour, check out all the cool books, toys, and collectibles in our museum gift shop, and play or picnic at our Barry Stout Park and playground.
We’re open Thursday-Sunday in September so that means that kids can visit for free on September 18-21 and 25-28. Click here to see our General Admission rates for Adults and Seniors and to plan your visit.
This event is made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.

Trolleyology: A Brief History of Pittsburgh Railways
2025-09-23 19:00 - 21:00
Join PTM staff, volunteers, and members for our Zoom series, Trolleyology! These programs feature Pennsylvania transit history topics and tales of our collection that you can experience from home. Registration is required but free of charge. Donations are welcome and encouraged.

A Brief History of Pittsburgh Railways
September 23, 2025 – 7 PM ET – Presented by George Gula

REGISTER HERE

With many photos and maps, George Gula approaches this presentation from the corporate development point of view, telling the story of the many different properties and how they combined to form an organization which was never as successful as some railfans would like to assume.

This program will be recorded and available at a later date on the PTM YouTube channel.

Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
*For the best experience, we recommend downloading Zoom in advance.
NOTE: This is a virtual event

W&J Family Weekend
2025-09-21 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-20 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Visit us this Family Weekend!

To celebrate Family Weekend at Washington & Jefferson College, we’re offering free admission to W&J students! Join us on September 19-21 and explore our collection, ride our trolleys, and discover our interactive exhibits.
The last two weeks of September are also free for kids 17 and under, so little siblings can join the fun as well! Click here to learn more about Free Kids: Fall Edition.

Trolley Tots
2025-09-18 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-08-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Join us the third Thursday of each month for Trolley Tots! 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! Children must be accompanied by an adult – for field trip programs for preschool classes and other ages, click here!
Tickets
Tickets include access to the Trolley Tots program and same-day admission to the museum.

$25 for one child + one adult helper for non-members
$5 for one child + one adult helper for members
$10 for additional children in the same family group
$10 for additional adults in the same family group

Register here!
2025 Schedule
Programs begin promptly at 10:30 am and wrap up around 11:30 am. Please allow additional time for check-in and bathroom or snack breaks before we begin!
January 16: Snow plows
February 20: Safety vehicles (fire trucks and police cars)
March 20: Bicycles, motorcycles, and 2-wheeled vehicles
April 17: Tractors and farm equipment
May 15: Rockets
June 19: Boats and water vehicles
July 17: Ice cream truck
August 21: School bus
September 18: Automobiles
October 16: Cherry pickers and bucket trucks
November 20: Construction vehicles
December 18: Trains and toy trains
Vehicles subject to change.

Off the Line: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour
2025-08-30 12:30 - 14:30 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Details
Join the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for a special look behind the scenes! These tours are offered only a few times per year, so don’t miss this chance to visit several of our non-public spaces, including the maintenance and restoration shop, car barn, and the Kathryn & David Black Transit Archives! Each tour will vary slightly depending on the interests of our volunteer tour guides and the current projects being completed.
Tickets are $25, include museum admission, and are valid all day if you choose to visit the museum prior to the tour. Museum members may purchase tickets for the tour for $5. (To purchase admission at this discounted rate, you must be signed into your Neon membership account. If you have an account, click here to sign in. If you are a member, but don’t already have an account, click here to create one or click the “Create an account” option at the bottom of the sign-in page.)
Comfortable, closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended. This tour will visit active work spaces so caution is advised. The recommended minimum age is 12. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to pick up your tickets and meet in the lobby inside our Welcome & Education Center at 1 Electric Way.
Tickets
Click here to purchase tickets online. Walk-up tickets will be available if not sold out in advance.
Contact
Reach out to Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org with any questions!

Dog Days of Summer
2025-08-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Say goodbye to the dog days of summer by bringing your canine friend to the Museum!
On Saturday, August 23, your doggies are welcome throughout the Museum’s campus and are invited to take some trolley rides. We ask that all dogs remain on a leash and are well behaved. You must also clean up after them while on Museum property.
Also, visit an outreach table by the Washington Area Humane Society! They’re also bringing a raffle basket that visitors can buy tickets for.
The last trolley ride of the day leaves at 3:45 PM. This event is included with General Admission for humans, but the pups are free (as long as we can spoil them with pets)!
Dogs must pose no health risk to humans and have all appropriate licenses and immunizations. Please be sensitive to other visitors who may be uncomfortable around dogs.

Trolleyology: Frankford's Elevated Railway and Its Predecessors - Part II
2025-08-19 19:00 - 21:00
Join PTM staff, volunteers, and members for our Zoom series, Trolleyology! These programs feature Pennsylvania transit history topics and tales of our collection that you can experience from home. Registration is required but free of charge. Donations are welcome and encouraged.

Frankford’s Elevated Railway and Its Predecessors – Part II
August 19, 2025 – 7 PM ET – Presented by Harry Garforth

REGISTER HERE

The first of two programs based on the book “Frankford’s Elevated Railway and Its Predecessors” covered the history of rail transportation in Frankford from 1833 up to the opening of the Frankford Elevated in November 1922. That included early railroad operations, streetcars (including steam dummies), streetcar electrification, planning and construction of the elevated and its placement into service. Watch Part I here!
Part II (August 19) will continue the story of the Frankford Elevated’s 100 years of service along with its companion project, the Bustleton Trolley. The program will also include new vehicles introduced on the line and changes to the numerous feeder routes including vehicle mode changes. Part II will also cover the complete renovation of the elevated, stations and new terminals.
The book can be purchased on line at:
https://www.thehistoricalsocietyoffrankford.org/product-page/frankford-s-elevated-railway-and-it-s-predecessors-by-harry-garforth
The $25 donation price benefits the Historical Society of Frankford. The book is also available in the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum store and will be available at the East Penn Traction Meet in May.

This program will be recorded and available at a later date on the PTM YouTube channel.

Trolleyology presentations will continue on a regular or semi-regular basis. Interested in presenting? Email Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org! We’re specifically looking for programs related to the Trolley Era in general, Pennsylvania transit history, or stories about our collection. Please join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date with program announcements and other PTM news!
*For the best experience, we recommend downloading Zoom in advance.
NOTE: This is a virtual event

Summer Sensory Friendly Hours
2025-08-19 10:00 - 13:00
Summer is here, and with it we’ve added additional times and dates to our Sensory Friendly Hour offerings. Explore the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in a sensory modified setting with quieter streetcars, lowered exhibit sounds, and soft lighting. Advanced registration is not required for this event. Tickets will be available at our regular admission prices.

Adults: $20
Seniors (ages 62+): $19
Children (ages 3-18): $15
Toddler (ages 2 and under): Free
Members: Free

Summer Dates:

Tuesday, June 17
Tuesday, July 29
Tuesday, August 19

Available Resources
In addition, silicone bracelets will be made available in both adult and child sizes to assist with non-verbal communication, particularly for individuals who have autism, sensory processing difficulties, or anxiety. The wristbands are designed to provide a visual indicator of comfort levels and engagement preferences.

Red bracelets indicate that the wearer may be feeling overwhelmed or anxious and does not wish to engage in any conversation. They may wish to explore the museum at their own pace.
Yellow bracelets indicate that the wearer may feel uncertain about interactions. They may prefer limited engagement while navigating the museum at their own pace.
Green bracelets indicate that the wearer is comfortable and open to interaction with others.

Furthermore, guests will have access to complimentary Sensory Bags. These bags, which may be requested at the front desk located in the museum store, include noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, sensory items, and a sensory guide. A valid photo ID will be required for the loan, which will be held by the museum until the sensory bag is returned.

With the help of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, PTM is pleased to provide Sensory Guides that can be used to help offer insight to guests on the sensory stimulation of different parts of the museum. These include touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell. This guide is available online. Physical copies are also available at the museum.

Questions about this event? Please call 724-228-9256 or email visitorservices@patrolley.org

Afternoon with an Artist
2025-08-17 13:00 - 14:30 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Spend your afternoon with artist J. Craig Thorpe!
Join us on Saturday, August 30 at 1:00 PM for an hour-long program about storytelling and art. Craig will share his railroad-themed art that he developed for the East Broad Top Railroad, Reading & Northern, and other organizations. Then, Scott Becker, retired PTM Executive Director/CEO and Ambassador Emeritus, will join the conversation to discuss how the Museum’s partnered with Craig to bring works from a concept to a reality.
The program will be followed by a Q&A session with both presenters. Craig will be available to sign prints of 1711 and 1713, both available in PTM’s store. He’ll also have a selection of other prints with him available for purchase.
This event is included with General Admission, which means it is free for members. Please click here to RSVP. Non-members will be able to purchase admission to the Museum on this site so that they can quickly check-in at the front desk when they arrive for the program.
Learn more about Thorpe and his work by visiting his website. The painting shown above is Thorpe’s depiction of Pittsburgh’s Terrible Trolley.

$5 Museum Week & Park and Ride to the Fair
2025-08-16 10:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-15 10:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-14 10:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 23:00
From August 9-16, enjoy our $5 tickets that include Museum admission and a ride to the Washington County Fair! Sponsored by Coen Markets.
Visitors may park in one of our three parking locations and enjoy a trolley ride to the fairgrounds for $5 per passenger. Your ticket is good all day, so we’ll give you a lift back to your car at the end of your visit, and you’re welcome to take unlimited trolley rides throughout the day for fun. Your $5 ticket also gives you admission to the Museum on the date of purchase during our regular hours of 10 AM to 4 PM.
Dates and Times
The Washington County Fair runs Saturday, August 9 through Saturday, August 16. Trolley shuttle service runs 10 AM to 11 PM. Trolleys depart approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is open each day of the fair, including Monday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Park-and-Ride Locations

Museum Lot: 1 Electric Way
West Campus Lot: 1 Museum Road
Eaton Lot: 2800 North Main Street

The trolley takes riders to the Fairgrounds Trolley Platform which is conveniently situated at the front entrance to the Fair and features a covered canopy to shelter riders during inclement weather.
Tickets
Tickets may be purchased for $5 per person, and children ages 2 and under may ride for free. Tickets are valid the entire day of purchase for unlimited rides until 11 PM. This fee does not include admission to the Fair.
Riders and visitors arriving at the Museum from 10 AM to 4PM may purchase their tickets inside our Welcome & Education Center. Riders boarding from 10 AM to 4 PM at our other park-and-ride locations should pay when they exit the trolley at the fairgrounds. Riders boarding between 4 PM and 11 PM will be able to purchase tickets at whatever parking lot they use.
Discounted family ticket packs of 8 tickets will be available. Museum memberships include free rides to the Fair for the amount of visitors the membership covers.
$5 Museum Week
A $5 trolley ride ticket may only be used to visit the Museum on the same date of its purchase. The Museum closes each day at 4 PM, and tickets purchased after closing are not good for Museum admission on that day or any dates in the future. For example, a ticket bought at 5 PM on Tuesday is not good for admission on future days even though the Museum has now closed for the day. Likewise, a ticket bought at 2 PM on a Tuesday is good for Museum admission until the Museum closes that day at 4 PM but is not good for admission on any future dates.
Family Packs rules: Family Packs contain 8 tickets that can be redeemed at any of our park-and-ride locations throughout the week. The tickets contained in a family pass are good for Museum admission on whichever days they are redeemed.
Thank you to Coen Markets for their generous support of this event!
