Teacher Appreciation Weekend
2025-01-26 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Thank you, community educators!
On January 25 and 26, all teachers presenting a valid school ID are invited to enjoy the Museum with free admission. Explore our interactive exhibits in our Welcome & Education Center, take a trolley for a ride on our 4-mile round-trip line, and discover our historic streetcar collection.
Teachers will also have the opportunity to take home information about the Museum’s offerings of field trips, virtual field trips, and other educational resources.
Those who educate with a home school or other institutions without IDs may also enjoy free admission with other proof that they serve in this role.
General admission rates apply to all other members of a teacher’s party. No advanced purchasing of tickets is required. The Museum is open on these dates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Sensory Friendly Hours
2025-02-09 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): Free during the month of February thanks to Alex E. Paris Contracting!
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

Teddy Bear Trolley
2025-02-15 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Take a trolley adventure with your favorite stuffie!
Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for a day full of teddy-rific activities! Enjoy a special story time, coloring stations, and an opportunity to get a photo in the trolley operator’s seat with your stuffed animal. The Museum store will also be selling a teddy bear of our own for those looking for a new friend!
This event is included with general admission, which is free for kids (ages 3-18) during the month of February thanks to Alex E. Paris Contracting. (Admission for children 2 and under is always free.) No advanced purchasing of tickets is required. Visitors are welcome to wear their PJs for some extra fun (must include shirts, pants, and shoes).
The Museum is open on these dates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A story time will be offered at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

SOLD OUT: Trolley Tots
2025-02-20 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) **SOLD OUT!**
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.

Scout Workshop: BSA Railroading
2025-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Saturday, February 22
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $25 per scout, $15 per chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in grades 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA scouts meet requirements for the Railroading merit badge. We will be covering ALL requirements for this merit badge! While there are no pre-requisites, we strongly encourage participating Scouts to review the Railroading Merit Badge Requirements and workbook prior to the workshop. Scouts will compare trolleys and trains and have the opportunity to get up close and personal with special equipment and rail vehicles here at the museum!
Requirements 8b parts 1 and 2 will be fulfilled by visiting the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Scouts should bring a phone or camera, or can use drawing materials provided by the museum.
BSA Railroading Requirements
BSA Railroading Workbook
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Trolleyology: A Century+ of Philadelphia Trackless Trolleys (The PRT/PTC Years)
2025-02-25 19:00 - 21:00 | PA
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 Century+ of Philadelphia Trackless Trolleys (The PRT/PTC Years)
February 25, 2025 – 7 PM ET – Presented by Bob Wright

REGISTER HERE

The Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company (PRT) began a trial of trackless trolleys in 1923, instituting new Route 80 across South Philadelphia that was operated with a small fleet of very basic coaches. This would not be the first trackless operation in the United States, with service in Staten Island and a handful of small communities being started before this, but it would become the longest lasting. The Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC), which succeeded PRT in 1940, doubled the number of trackless routes in the city with conversion of a busy streetcar route, and several more were implemented post-World War II. This presentation will cover the trackless operation through PRT and PTC up until the system’s takeover by SEPTA in 1968. Watch Bob’s first presentation (1968-present) here!

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

Volunteer Open House
2025-03-08 09:30 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
The registration form for this event has now closed. If you’d like to attend, please email Morgan at mmeer@patrolley.org.
Since our beginning as the Pittsburgh Electric Railway Club, PTM has relied on the passion of volunteers to keep the Trolley Era alive. Today, our volunteer program- 180+ participants strong- continues their mission to inspire the next generation of innovators.
You’re invited to join us on March 8, 2025 for our Volunteer Open House, where you’ll get to:

Meet our volunteers! Connect with our team of trolley enthusiasts, educators, and community members of all ages
Tour our maintenance and restoration shop and find out how you can help preserve vintage transportation
Take a look at a sample of items from our transit archives. Our volunteers explore PA’s history through photos, maps, artwork, and more
Discover how you can become a trolley operator, serve as a museum guide, and help with our exciting holiday events

Those who register will receive free admission to the Museum on the day of the event. All ages are welcome to attend! Attendees 14 years and older will have the opportunity to operate a trolley. Families may register with the same form.
Can’t make it but interested in volunteering at PTM? Learn more by clicking here.
Those interested in becoming volunteer trolley operators should also read about New Operating Training on April 5-6.

Event Schedule:

Morning Session
9:15 AM- Registration Opens
9:30 AM- Meet-and-Greet begins
10:00 AM- Tour begins
11:00 AM- Tour ends, opportunities to operate a trolley go into the afternoon, feel free to explore the museum until closing!

Afternoon Session
1:45 PM- Registration Opens
2:00 PM- Meet-and-Greet begins
2:30 PM- Tour begins
3:30 PM- Tour ends, opportunities to operate a trolley go into the early evening, feel free to explore the museum until closing!

Scout Workshop: Engineers in the Making!
2025-03-08 13:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Saturday, March 8
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $25 per scout, $15 per chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in 1st – 5th grade. We will be meeting all requirements for the following badges:

Boy Scout Webelos Engineering
Girl Scout Brownie Mechanical Engineering: Race Car Design Challenge
Girl Scout Junior Mechanical Engineering: Balloon Car Design Challenge

Scouts participating in this workshop will study real-life engineers, design custom blueprints, use the Engineer Design Process, then investigate potential and kinetic energy to build, test, and race a balloon-powered vehicle and racetrack!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

PTM Brick Club
2025-03-13 10:30 - 12:00 | PA
Calling all Homeschoolers: Join us for PTM’s Brick Club on Thursday, March 13th from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM!
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

March 13: Wheels, Wings, and Beyond!
April 10: Spring Into Brick Club
May 22: Puppy Power: Obstacle Courses (BricQ Motion Kits)

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? Register online by clicking here. 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!

Scout Workshop: BSA Communications
2025-03-15 09:00 - 16:00 | PA
Saturday, March 15
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $45 per scout, $15 per chaperone
*This is a workshop for a Eagle-Required Merit Badge*
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA scouts meet requirements for the Communications merit badge. It is strongly recommended that participants be in at least 9th grade before taking this workshop. This badge is also being provided in conjunction with Vintage Communications Weekend at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum! Scouts will have the opportunity to discover the communications technology of the Trolley Era, including antique radios, typewriters, printing presses, victrolas, phonographs, and more!
Due to the nature of this badge, it is encouraged for Scouts to complete much of the workbook and requirements ahead of time. Scouts will be required to prepare several parts of this badge (detailed below) and bring completed work and materials to the workshop in order to present to the group.
We will be covering requirements 1c, 2a, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. To meet requirement 5, we will be virtually attending a public meeting during the workshop.
As part of the requirements, Scouts will need to prepare the following ahead of time:

1c: Be prepared to share a short Scouting story (example: the best camping trip ever!) in a small group setting.
2a: Think of a creative way to describe yourself using a collage, short story, autobiography, drawing or series of photographs, a song, and/or a short skit. Prepare this at home and be prepared to use the aid you created to make a short presentation (no more than 2 minutes) about yourself.
4: This requirement involves interviewing someone you know fairly well, like, or respect. Conduct the interview before the workshop, then come prepared to deliver an introduction of the person as though this person were to be a guest speaker. Include reasons why the audience would want to hear this person speak.
6: Develop a plan to teach a skill or inform someone about something. Prepare teaching aids ahead of time and bring them with you to the workshop and be prepared to share with the group.

Scouts are fully responsible for the following pre/post-requisites: 3 and 8.

Requirement 3 asks that Scouts to write a five-minute speech and give it at a meeting.
Requirement 8 has Scouts plan a troop or crew court of honor, campfire program, or interfaith worship service. This must be approved by patrol leaders’ council. Scouts must write a script, prepare the program, and serve as master of ceremonies. Please bring in photos, videos, and/or documentation from Scout leaders, etc. to show completion of these two requirements.

BSA Communications Requirements
BSA Communications Workbook
Click here to register!

Vintage Communications Weekend
2025-03-15 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Join us at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for a weekend of vintage communications!
This event highlights the communications technology of the Trolley Era and is included with general admission. Explore antique radios, typewriters, printing presses, victrolas, phonographs, and more!
Along with participating in the event, visitors can also explore our interactive exhibits in our Welcome & Education Center, take a trolley for a ride on our 4-mile round-trip line, and discover our historic streetcar collection. Our regular admission rates are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $15 for children 3-18. Children under 3 are free.
Confirmed exhibitors and things to do:

Local amateur radio clubs will be setting up a special event station (W3T) and inviting visitors to explore the historic (and modern!) world of ham radio. Test out your Morse code skills on a practice key!
Typewriter enthusiasts are invited to display their machines and to set up machines the public can use! We’ll have many machines to test out as part of the event from the collection of David Cannon. The museum will happily host buy/sell/trade tables as well. Type a letter to send in the mail and test out the different fonts and feelings of these classic machines
You’ve heard of a printing press – now’s your chance to test one out! Wayne and Nancy Young from the print shop in Portersville will be sharing and demonstrating their printing press. Also on site will be the Old Economy Village Print Shop, with head printer John Thomas.
See (and hear!) a collection of working antique radios – local collector Ben Costello will showcase his collection of Catalin tabletop radios, similar to the Bakelite radios
See a WWII-era Jeep with a back seat command set radio and historical displays from Don Grimm
Experience the sounds of a Victrola and observe the bells of antique phonographs
See a selection of antique telephones through the ages from the collection of Dave Grill and Donald Scott
Explore a display of cameras through the ages
Retro fun: learn how to create a cassette mix tape and explore the world of early 2000s digital photography
Saturday only: take a trip through time with a 1924 Crosley 52 radio and G-Whiz George from WJPA!
Viewpoint Production Services will share a collection of antique broadcasting equipment. Could you make it as a 1970s news videographer with all that heavy equipment?
Food truck: P’s Bird Wagon will be on site serving lunch for purchase each day!

Exhibitor Invite:
Do you collect a particular mode or method of vintage communication? Please reach out to Kristen at kfred@patrolley.org if you’d be willing to share/display/showcase your…

antique radios
antique telephones
antique televisions
vintage cameras
retro computers
jukeboxes
newspapers
recording or broadcasting equipment
…and other types of communication!

Hotel Info

This year, we’re working with HomeTowne Studios & Suites Washington by Red Roof at 2110 N Franklin Dr, Washington, PA 15301. Call the hotel front desk at (724) 884-0299 and mention the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum to receive the discounted rate of $69.89 plus tax (Sunday-Thursday) and $82.89 plus tax (Fridays and Saturdays). Jacuzzi rooms available for $15 upgrade! Rate is valid all of 2024. Rooms include a free breakfast and free parking.
Special rates for museum-goers are also available at the Quality Inn & Suites (501 Racetrack Rd in Washington, PA) (formerly Microtel). Phone (724) 705-7676. Rates vary by season but are typically $60-$75 per night plus tax – mention the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum when asking about special rates.
Visit the Hampton Inn Washington website (119 Murtland Ave) and enter the code 0003472486 in the Corporate Account box under Special Rates to receive 12% off the regular room rate. Guests can call the hotel directly to book this discounted rate as well at (724) 228-4100.
There are many other hotels nearby along Racetrack Road within 10 minutes of the Museum and elsewhere in Washington, PA within a 15 minute drive.

More Information about our Exhibitors:
Printing Press: Come see the Steam Show Print Shop from the Northwest PA Steam Engine and Old Equipment Association! We will be demonstrating how hand-set type was used in the 1700s to the mid 1900s. Books, magazines, newspapers, wedding invitations, and other printed materials were created using this technique. Print your own souvenir on our Kelsey table top press!
Amateur Radio: WA3COM is coordinating and organizing the amateur radio communications for this event, including the special event station. The station’s call sign is W3T – ham radio operators are encouraged to work us on the air! Visitors can see a functioning amateur radio station, and an amateur radio operator will help you try to make a radio call! Representatives from the Washington Amateur Communications (WA3COM) and Steel City Amateur Radio Club (W3KWH) will be on hand to answer all of your ham radio-related questions! Modes demonstrated will include CW (Morse code), SSB (phone), and FT8 (digital).
Jeep Command Set Radio: Volunteer Don Grimm will exhibit his WWII-era Jeep and the SCR-506-A – a medium-power AM set designed for installation in tanks, amphibian trucks, personnel carriers, and other vehicles to provide continuous wave (CW) and voice communication from one vehicle to another or between these vehicles and airplanes or base stations. Saturday only!
Typewriters: Enthusiasts from around the region will be showing off typewriters – some for display-only, some for the public to use, and some for selling! If you’ve had a typewriter in your house for a long time and you’re wondering what to do to fix it, feel free to bring it in – experts will be on site!

Trolley Tots
2025-03-20 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-04-17 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.

Sensory Friendly Hours
2025-03-23 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-27 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

Trolleyology: One Month and Counting...
2025-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | PA
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.

One Month and Counting… Brownsville Road: October 14, 1971
March 25, 2025 – 7 PM ET – Presented by David Warner

Recording coming soon

During high school student Dave Warner’s first visit to Pittsburgh in the spring of 1971, he learned that three of the remaining streetcar lines would be converted to buses later in the year. That knowledge was the impetus for walking and photographing all of the Route 44-Knoxville, images which are available to see on a previous Trolleyology video, Pittsburgh Streetcars – April 1971.
A fall teacher’s workshop closed school for two weekdays in October, and that gave Dave a timely opportunity to spend a day in Pittsburgh with the goal of photographing the portions of the 53-Carrick line which he hadn’t photographed in April, along with a few photos of the 49-Beltzhoover line which was the third of the lines on the chopping block. The day of photography included much more than a photo-filled half-day walking along Brownsville Road, such as middle-of the night rides to Library and night photography at the Tunnel Car House. The day ended with an impressive parade of PCCs through Dormont, some on trackage which was replaced with a unique suburban light rail tunnel when the trolley lines remaining after 1971 were upgraded to light rail standards, rather than bustituted.

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

Museum Guide Training
2025-03-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Make the Trolley Era come alive!
During their visits to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, guests have the chance to travel back in time to the wonders of the Trolley Era- when the bright lights and clanging bells of the trolleys filled the streets of America.
This experience would not be possible without our Guides, who lead visitors on this journey through the decades by welcoming them to the Museum and giving tours of our collection. Join our team this spring and help us bring the excitement of the past to life!
*Click here to register*

Training Info
Session Date: Saturday, March 29, 10:00am to 1:00pm
During training, you’ll learn how to make each visitor’s museum experience the best one possible. This class will provide tips for giving a successful tour as well as an introduction to the history found here at the Museum. Content-related materials will be provided along with other resources- there is no background knowledge necessary!
At the end of your session, you’ll be on your way to becoming an official Museum Guide. You’ll have the opportunity to shadow our experienced volunteers and practice until you’re ready to go. There’s no required time commitment for either your time in training or as an official guide- everything is at your own pace. Whether you volunteer once a week, or a couple times a year, we’ll be glad to have your help.
Museum volunteers must be 14 years of age or older to volunteer without a guardian present. To learn more about our family volunteer opportunities, please email mmeer@patrolley.org.
**Please be advised that all volunteers are required to have up-to-date PA State Clearances. Click here to view clearance instructions.**

New Operator Training
2025-04-05 - 2025-04-06 | West Campus- Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Museum Road, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
This class is now full. Please email mmeer@patrolley.org to learn about future opportunities.
You’re invited to participate in the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s New Operator Training! This hands-on course will teach you how to operate our trolleys and start your journey to qualify as a volunteer museum operator.
As an operator, you’ll have the opportunity to make sure each visitor has an exciting trip back in time to the Trolley Era. You’ll also have the chance to connect with our community of volunteers who share a passion for trolleys, history, and education.
The operator-training process at PTM is long, and, like all endeavors to learn a new skill, can be a bit of a challenge. However, participants also find it to be extremely rewarding and end the course proud of their accomplishments. We’re looking for volunteers who have lots of enthusiasm, aren’t afraid of some hard work, and are ready to put in the time to become an operator!

Training Information
The two group instruction days for this course will be on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. These are just two parts of the New Operator Training process. You must complete all parts of steps 2 and 3 to attended group instruction. The complete process will proceed like this:
Step 1 (optional but encouraged): Attend our Volunteer Open House on Saturday, March 8! Get to know the Museum and our volunteer team.
Step 2 (Before April 5): Shadow our operators during a four-hour shift at the Museum on a day of your choosing.* Before group instruction, students will also be required to watch several short videos about operating procedures and take quizzes on the information. These quizzes can be retaken until you pass. The sign-up for shadowing, along with the videos and other instructional material will be distributed to participants after they register for this course.
Step 3 (April 5-6): Attend group instruction from 9 AM- 4 PM each day. Meet your fellow student operators and practice operating the variety of cars in our collection.
Step 4: Sign up for a third day of individual instruction during which you’ll review what you and your instructor would like.
Step 5: You’ve graduated from New Operator to Student Operator! Now, you’ll complete 15 days of student operation. This means operating for the public under the supervision of an experienced operator. You will have an extended period of time to complete these days, though we recommend operating often enough that you remember the instruction you received the previous time. When you have completed these days, you will test to become an official Senior Operator.

Additional Information
To participate in this course, you must be 14 years of age** and a current member of the museum. New operators must be Museum members as well as complete their state-required clearances (instructions here) before in-person training steps commence. Those 18 years of age and older must have a valid driver’s license to participate.
Attendance on both days of group instruction is mandatory to be part of the Spring 2025 class. Your additional training day, Student Operator days, and eventual shifts as a Senior Operator all have flexible scheduling- you’ll never be required to operate on a day you do not wish to. If you can’t make it to the April 5-6 class, but are still interested in becoming an operator, email mmeer@patrolley.org to discuss future opportunities.
Space is limited so register today!
*Shadowing sessions will occur on days during which the Museum is open and operating trolleys. During your training period, that’s our school year schedule: Thursday- Sunday except for Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 when the rail line will be temporarily closed. The Museum expands its hours to Tuesday-Sunday from June to the end of August. As a Student Operator, and then eventually a Senior Operator, you can also sign up to operate during rentals, groups, and field trips on days the museum is closed to the public.
**Operators ages 14-17 will not be able to operate for paying visitors. They can still operate the trolleys for maintenance projects and volunteer-only events as well as be a conductor (in charge of trolley safety and more) for paying visitors. Teens enjoy this class and their time as a volunteer operator- so we definitely still recommended it for trolley-loving youth!

Members Day
2025-04-05 13:30 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
This event is for Museum Members only. Click here to read about how to become a Member and learn about the many benefits you’ll receive!
Join us for a special afternoon, during which we’ll celebrate some of the latest accomplishments of our members and volunteers.
1:30 PM or 3:30 PM- Members Tour
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.
5:30 PM- Volunteer Appreciation Banquet
Members are also invited to our annual celebration of our volunteer team. An Italian dinner, provided by Angelo’s Restaurant, is free for all volunteers. Members who are not volunteers may attend for $20.
A link to RSVP for one or both events was included in the invitation emailed to members on March 14. (It was titled “Members Day- April 5”). If you do not have this email, please contact Morgan at mmeer@patrolley.org to receive your invitation. Please RSVP by March 22.

PTM Brick Club
2025-04-10 10:30 - 12:00 | PA
Calling all Homeschoolers: Join us for PTM’s Brick Club on Thursday, April 10th, from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM!
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 is a time for students to come together and work on building LEGO® brick sets, complete creative challenges, and make new friends! 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

March 13: Wheels, Wings, and Beyond!
April 10: Spring Into Brick Club
May 22: Puppy Power: Obstacle Courses (BricQ Motion Kits)

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? Register online by clicking here. 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!

Bunny Trolley
2025-04-11 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Hop on over to the Museum as we bring back one of our favorite events, Bunny Trolley!
Visitors to the museum during this event will have the opportunity to:

Ride a beautifully-restored antique trolley through the Spring landscape
Participate in an Easter-themed scavenger hunt and craft
Meet live rabbits, thanks to the Four-Leaf 4-H Club
Take a photo with the Easter Bunny!

The event runs on April 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19 and is sponsored by Sarris Candies. Admission to the museum on these dates requires special tickets at the cost of $22 per person. Visitors 2 and under may attend this event for free. These tickets will go on sale February 24 for members, and February 28 for the general public.
The Museum will close at 5 PM during Bunny Trolley, but the Bunny will go back to his burrow at 4 PM.
Tickets
Get tickets here!

Bunny Trolley
2025-04-13 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-18 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA, 15301, United States
Hop on over to the Museum as we bring back one of our favorite events, Bunny Trolley!
Visitors to the museum during this event will have the opportunity to:

Ride a beautifully-restored antique trolley through the Spring landscape
Participate in an Easter-themed scavenger hunt and craft
Meet live rabbits, thanks to the Four-Leaf 4-H Club
Take a photo with the Easter Bunny!

The event runs on April 11, 12, 13, 18, and 19 and is sponsored by Sarris Candies. Admission to the museum on these dates requires special tickets at the cost of $22 per person. Visitors 2 and under may attend this event for free. These tickets will go on sale February 24 for members, and February 28 for the general public.
The Museum will close at 5 PM during Bunny Trolley, but the Bunny will go back to his burrow at 4 PM.
Tickets
Get tickets here! Note: if tickets are not available for your timeslot online, we will have walk-up tickets available to purchase at the door!

Trolleyology: 100+ Years of Suburban Philadelphia High-Speed Interurban History
2025-04-22 19:00 - 21:00 | PA
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.

100+ Years of Suburban Philadelphia High-Speed Interurban History
April 22, 2025 – 7 PM ET – Presented by John Calnan

REGISTER HERE

This program from John Calnan will cover the history of the Philadelphia & Western Railroad and its successor operators, the Red Arrow Lines and SEPTA. In addition, slides will discuss scheduled service patterns, vehicles operated, track maps, signage, unique facts, and other interesting tidbits.

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

Scout Workshop: BSA Environmental Science
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | PA
Saturday, May 3
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: $25 per scout, $15 per chaperone
*This workshop is for a Eagle-Required Merit Badge.*
NEW 2025 REQUIREMENTS! This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in grades 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA Scouts meet requirements for the Environmental Science merit badge, an Eagle Required badge. We will be covering requirements 1, 2b, 3c, 4b, 5b, 7b, 8a, 9, and 11. Conduct experiments about pollution, investigate clean energy sources, dive into the water cycle, and discover how to help eradicate invasive species in our area!
Scouts are responsible for the following pre/post-requisites: 6, 10. If participants do not complete these requirements ahead of time, Scouts must follow up with the counselors after the workshop to complete the requirements and received a completed blue card.

Requirement 6 involves researching rare, threatened, or endangered species and preparing a 100-word report. Alternatively, Scouts can choose to visit a site that has been designed to improve the habitat for threatened or endangered species and prepare a report on what they saw.
For requirement 10, Scouts must choose a construction project (such as a new house or new building at their Scout camp), identify all environmental impact topics that would need to be addressed for this project, evaluate the purpose and benefits of the project, alternative to the project (including a no-action alternative), and any environmental consequences of this project. Summarize these findings in a short report and be prepared to present them to the counselor.

BSA Environmental Science Requirements
This badge was recently updated. A newly updated workbook is currently in the works.
Click here to register!

Scout Workshop: BSA Geology (NEW!)
2025-05-03 13:00 - 16:00 | PA
Saturday, May 3
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $25 per Scout, $15 per Chaperone
This merit badge workshop is open to any youth in 6th – 12th grade and is designed to help BSA Scouts meet requirements for the Geology merit badge. We will be covering ALL requirements for this merit badge! While there are no pre-requisites, we strongly encourage participating Scouts to review the Geology Merit Badge Requirements and workbook prior to the workshop. Investigate different rocks and minerals and discover how our museum got its start in part thanks to a coal mine!
We will be covering requirements 1, 2, 3, 4b, 5c1, 5c2, 5c3b, 5c4, and 5c5b.
Geology Merit Badge Requirements
Geology Merit Badge Workbook
Click here to register!
