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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This #MuseumMonday we’re spotlighting a “fun fact” about two of the streetcars in our collection!
Pittsburgh Railways once operated 1,056 “yellow cars” in-service. Today the only two surviving cars of this type are at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum - and neither are yellow. Yet we still have visitors who remember them as Pittsburgh’s “yellow cars.” Plus, you can even spot an ad at the @historycenter specifically telling people to board a “yellow car”; meaning it’s a very old nickname! But where did it come from?
Normal wear-and-tear from the elements was partially to blame, but Pittsburgh transit also had to deal with the ever-present pollution from local industry factories. Inevitably, the bright orange paint our visitors love became a much duller shade of yellow - and so these low-floor cars quickly became “yellow cars.” #history #pittsburgh #transit #trolley #streetcar
Happy #NationalTrainDay!
While we’re best known for our streetcar collection, our trolleys also share space with several locomotives: PTM 89, Monongahela Valley Traction 3000, and Armco Steel B73. Each engine has its own unique history, which you can learn about at our website (link’s in our bio!). #history #railroads #trains #engines #railroading
Happy #NationalPetWeek! Many of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s volunteers have a best friend (or two, or more!) keeping us company after a day’s hard work. Here’s to the goodest and bestest boys and girls that we know!
🎶 Coming up on May 31 we will have our first Last Fridays at the Museum summer concert featuring Lucky 13! 🎵
🚃 Take a ride on a trolley, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, and bring your lawn chair so you can kick back and listen to some live music along our beautiful Volunteer Boulevard. 🛤️
$10 per person - purchase tickets at the Museum day of the event. Come out and enjoy the music on our picturesque street.
If you haven’t visited the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum yet this year, be sure to #SaveTheDate and stop by for our first-ever Street Fair on Saturday and Sunday, May 18th and 19th!
During the weekend Volunteer Boulevard will transform into a bustling scene where street performers light up the sidewalks with their mesmerizing acts. Plus artists will provide face painting, balloon art, and caricatures; partner booths and special activities will delight guests of all ages; and musicians will perform and entertain us all!
All of this is included with regular admission, which means that your experience will also include unlimited trolley rides and access to our Display Building and exhibits. Don’t miss out on this sensational event that promises to transport you to a bygone era! #VisitWashingtonPA #museum #StreetFair #pittsburgh #FamilyFun
#ThrowbackThursday - to August 1952, when Coach 114 shared the Connellsville Terminal with West Penn Railways 294.
Before leaving the transportation business entirely, West Penn Railways experimented with buses on five routes south of Connellsville, including the line to Dickerson Run and Dawson. The service was unsuccessful in returning passenger loads to profitable levels, and was discontinued in June 1953. #history #transit #trolley #streetcar #pennsylvania
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!