The Trolley Museum Opens Memorial Day Weekend

Take a ride into history

(4/8/09) If you have not ridden the 111 year old wooden Trolley or the historic hand-powered “pump car,” you are missing a chance to relive 19th century nostalgia and also explore one of Shelburne Falls’ greatest historical treasures. Car Number 10, a restored 1896 Wason Trolley car, is one of the original trolleys which ran across the historic Bridge of Flowers, and is now restored for the enjoyment of visitors.

The Shelburne Falls and Colrain Street Railway once connected the railroad yard and Shelburne Falls Union Station with the town of Shelburne Falls and the many mills towns on the way to Colrain. Trolley tracks even once ran down to the glacial potholes, terminating by the glass blowing studio.

The Trolley and other attractions, including a museum, shop and old fashion hand powered pump car, are located in the former Boston and Maine railroad yard in Buckland. The Museum is open weekends through October, with special Monday openings during the summer.

This is the tenth season of giving historic railroad rides to visitors from near and far. And the Museum is seeking volunteers who are vital to the existence of the trolley museum. “There are opportunities for almost every interest and skill here at the museum,” says Sam Bartlett who coordinates the Museum and its restoration projects. “We are looking for help with trolley car operations (we will train you), carpentry and metal working for restoration work, ticket sales, grant writing, track work and yard care,” he says.

Area businesses may also contribute for a Corporate Sponsorship ($100 or more donation) to support the efforts of the museum to reserve local history. In recognition businesses receive an ad (traditional trolley name - "car card") in the historic 1986 trolley car for all passengers to see.

Special events this year include:

• Fathers ride for Free on Fathers Day

• Trolleyfest returns June 27th with a historical civil war reenactment and encampment featuring the 10th Main re-enactors.

• The Trolley will be open for moonlight rides during the traditional Moonlight Magic town event after Thanksgiving.

For more information, visit the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum on Depot Street, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details or visit the website at www.sftm.org.