| Oklahoma Railway Museum Central Oklahoma Chapter of NRHS 3400 N.E. Grand Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73111 (405) 424-8222 Open Saturdays: 10am-4pm |
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The Central Oklahoma Chapter of NRHS was founded 30 years ago by railroad enthusiast, who had interests in modeling, photography, historic preservation, and riding trains. As an outlet for sharing their hobby with the public, the chapter has always talked about building a museum. A start was made when some of our equipment was displayed behind the Kirkpatrick Center until the space was needed for expansion and the equipment had to be moved from site and stored in mid-80's. In late 1980's the Chapter operated the Watonga Chief dinner train at Watonga, Oklahoma on the AT&L Railroad. Many Oklahomans' rode the rails on the Watonga Chief, which was the only operating passenger train in the state at that time. Chapter members also helped staff the Home Coming Trains that operated from Tulsa to Altus in 1990. Members also crewed the Union Pacific trains that operated in eastern Oklahoma from Coffeyville, Kansas through Muskogee, McAlester, Durant and on to Ft Worth in 1992. In 1995, the Chapter worked with the Union Pacific Railroad to bring their passenger train powered with historic E9 diesel locomotives to Oklahoma City. Over November 11th and 12th, over 1625 people rode the rails in historic passenger equipment from Oklahoma City to Shawnee, Oklahoma City to El Reno and then Oklahoma City to Enid. The revenues from these trips served as seed money for this museum. Chapter members began working with the Center for Non-Profit Organizations in the spring of 1997 to develop a business plan for the establishment of a railroad museum. Site locations were investigated with a key ingredient being access to live rail. Several sites were looked at, but for various reasons didn't work out. In 1998 the chapter began a partnership with COPTA for the use of the old M-K-T right of way owned by the city. In exchange for our keeping the right of way from NE 16th to NE 36th mowed and cleaned of trash, COPTA allows us to use it for demonstrations. Last year, Members donated over 890 hours of volunteer labor, many hours of equipment time cleaning, mowing and straightening up the right of way. We still have work to do, but it is a lot better that it was. Without support and cooperation of COPTA the ORM would not be located where it is today. We look forward to expanding this partnership. This 3 acres of land were located in 1997, however the owners didn't want to sell at that time. After many other potential sites were reviewed and rejected, we again contacted the owners and found them now interested in selling the property. The property was purchased in July of 1999 The property had an existing building, and was fenced with a parking area set aside. Live rail access to the old M-K-T right of way is being developed. Members have raised over $50,000 to date to rehab the existing office providing ADA compliant Restrooms, moved in an historic railroad depot, purchased track materials to bring rail onto the property and begun making plans to move the engines, freight cars, and other rail equipment to the site. The location is excellent, in close proximity to other museums in Oklahoma City area. We have had help of many individuals, companies, the City of Oklahoma City. Ward 7 Council Member Willa Johnston has been very helpful and supportive of this effort. Without her encouragement, we would not be where we are today. The Mayor's Office has also provided assistance in our efforts along with various other Oklahoma City Departments The Fire Marshall's office, the planning department and permitting department have all been helpful as we have undertaken this huge task of building a railway museum. State Senator Dave Herbert has also provided encouragement. He has helped with the donation of the last railroad turntable in Oklahoma from the BNSF Railroad. We have applied for a T-21 Grant to help with the relocation from its present site here in Oklahoma City to the museum grounds, along with installation and operation, allowing future generations to see how locomotives were turned in the years gone by. With all projects of this nature, it takes lots of money. We need to raise approximately $14,000 to help with the turntable project, $35,000 for track work on the site, $20,000 for station restoration, and many dollars to help restore the equipment we currently have. In addition, our future plans for a three to four stall roundhouse for preservation and restoration work. That will require a great effort in fund raising. To date, both major railroads in the Oklahoma City area, BNSF and Union Pacific have been supportive of our efforts. We have received a grant from the Union Pacific foundation and have been working on others. For now the majority of our support has come from club members. However, we are starting to see donations coming in from the general public. If anyone or a corporation would like to provide a donation, we are a 501 c Non-Profit, tax exempt Oklahoma Corporation. This station originally built by The Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway Company in 1905 at Oakwood in Dewey county. The KCM&O was later purchased by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company.
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For more information, please call 405-424-8222 (Recorded message).
Business and Mailing Address:
The Oklahoma Railway Museum, Inc., 3400 N.E. Grand Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73111
©2007 The Oklahoma Railway Museum, Inc. All rights reserved.