(The following story by Mark Raeber appeared on the Belleville News-Democrat website on April 15, 2009.)
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Museum of Transportation in south St. Louis County is celebrating its 65th anniversary, making this an ideal time to explore its exhibits highlighting the significant role transportation has played in the development of this country.
Terri McEachern, executive director of the Transportation Museum Association, said the museum was founded in 1944 by five historically-minded individuals when they acquired an 1870s mule-drawn street car called the Bellefontaine. From that humble beginning the collection has grown and today it includes hundreds of exhibits that reflect the changing nature of transportation.
The museum’s array of railroad cars, which are displayed in a rail yard and two large buildings, includes more than 70 locomotives and is considered to be one of the most complete collections devoted to America’s rail power in the world. Several of the cars — including the #4006 Union Pacific Big Boy, the Sante Fe 5011 and an assortment of Pullman cars — are open for tours.
While much of the collection is devoted to railroading, it includes exhibits of buses, streetcars, aircraft and riverboats arrayed on roads named for transportation pioneers.
The mueum’s display of cars in the Earl C. Lindberg Automobile Center represents 10 decades of automobile history. The exhibit includes rare and historically-significant vehicles. Among them are a Chrysler Turbine, an experiment by the company in 1962 to build a practical gas turbine-powered car for consumers; the Bobby Darin Dream Car; and several models built by St. Louis car manufacturers beginning at the turn of the last century.
The museum at 3015 Barrett Station Road is located on land once owned by the Pacific Railroad of Missouri. Later renamed the Missouri Pacific Railroad, McEachern said it is the pioneer railroad west of the Mississippi River.
Included on the property — and partially open to visitors — is one of the first two rail tunnels constructed west of the Mississippi. Built between 1851 and 1853 at 450 feet, but shortened to 410 feet in 1929, the tunnel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Louis County took over maintenance of the museum in 1979 and today it is part of the county’s park system. McEachern heads a nonprofit organization that supports the museum and coordinates its programs.
“There is a lot for kids to do here,” she said, noting theater performances and puppet shows for children are scheduled throughout the year.
Additionally, Creation Station focuses on programs for children from 1 to 5. McEachern said, in addition to a hands on learning environment that exposes children to all modes of transportation while enriching early skills, it has facilities for private parties.
Older children may enjoy the Pirate Party. This birthday adventure for 6- to 10-year-olds includes a treasure hunt through secret hiding spots of the museum for clues to discover hidden treasure. Owney, the museum mascot, is now available to visit parties as well.
The Train of Thought hosts facilitated field trips and Saturday scout programs for both boys and girls. And on the fourth Saturday in the months of February, March, April, September and October, and on December 5, Mad Science of St. Louis conducts interactive science workshops to help scout troops fulfill merit badge requirements. The field trip reservation line is 314-965-6885, ext. 5.
McEachern said the museum’s educational programs are aligned with both Missouri and Illinois learning standards.
“The primary goal for the development of the educational division of the Museum of Transportation is to inspire the community to access, investigate, enjoy and support the museum and all it has to offer,” she explained.
For the whole family, the museum also has five remaining classic car shows scheduled: June 21, June 28, Aug. 16, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4.
Summer Hours, which run from May 1 through September 1, are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Winter hours between September 2 and April 30 are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
The museum is closed on Mondays except for Martin Luther King Jr Day; Presidents Day and Columbus Day, when it is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It also is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. But it is open between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
During the summer, miniature train rides are offered daily. And rides on the museum’s restored historic trolley are offered Fridays through Sundays through the end of October.
Admission is $6 for adults; $4 for children 5 to 12, seniors and military personnel with a valid ID. Teachers with valid current teaching ID are admitted free. Members also enter for free.
The gift shop includes food service and most facilities and exhibits are handicapped accessible.
McEachern said the museum plans to break ground on a new education and visitors center by this fall. When it opens in 2010, the facility will enhance the exhibit space and guest services the museum will be able to provide visitors.
For more information about the museum, check out its Web site at www.trasportmuseumassociation.org.