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 Save the date!
TRAIN LOVERS' WEEKEND
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 (10 am to 5 pm) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 (1 pm to 5 pm)
Celebrate our rich rail heritage during a
a weekend made for train lovers!
Train rides * Fun activities for the kids *
Model train displays * Passport Scavenger Hunt *
Special movies in our N&W Safety Car *
Learn about our rail heritage
$5 per person. As always, members and children 2 and under free!
Train rides: $2 per person, per ride (including members)
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From our Executive Director
Thanks to you, our friends,
we celebrated a great year!
 Because of you, our friends, Members and volunteers, we celebrated a wonderful 2012: numerous special events, the cosmetic restoration of key pieces of our rolling rail stock, new exhibits in our Advance Auto Parts Automotive Gallery, the debut of our Wings Over Virginia Aviation Gallery, more members and a 32.6 percent increase in attendance!   We're proud of our accomplishments. Our mission is to tell Roanoke's -- and the Commonwealth's -- story in a unique way. Our Advance Auto Parts Automotive Gallery proudly displays antique and forward-thinking cars and trucks owned, designed or built by area citizens. The Wings Over Virginia Aviation Gallery highlights regional aviators and their impact on history. The Rail Yard showcases the most modern and powerful steam locomotives in their class -- designed and built in Roanoke. Our goal in 2013 and beyond is to tell these stories even better than we do now. We have ambitious goals, and slowly, step-by-step we'll meet them. Thank you for supporting us. We invite you to visit us in 2013!
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The Norfolk & Western Freight Station
- home to the VMT -
is named to the
National Register of Historic Places
The Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station -- the home of the VMT in Roanoke, Virginia -- is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The N&W Freight Station played a significant role in the industrial development of Roanoke and its surrounding regions for nearly 100 years.
Freight rail service to Roanoke (then known as Big Lick) commenced in 1852. In 1882, Roanoke became the most important junction point as well as corporate headquarters for the newly formed Norfolk & Western Railway, which became a major carrier of coal from mines in West Virginia and Virginia.
Begun in 1916, and completed in 1918, the Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station was built to accommodate an ever-increasing amount of freight traffic to the region. The new two-story, fifty-bay-long Freight Station was built parallel to the railroad tracks. Box cars were unloaded, the freight moved through the building and was loaded onto trucks. The trucks hauled the goods to communities across Southwest Virginia. (Trucks and trains have been teaming up for years!)
Today the Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station not only serves as our home, but is a significant reminder of this region's rich rail history. We are grateful to the city of Roanoke for partnering with the VMT on this state and federal project.
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On sale NOW!
Norfolk Southern 30th Anniversary
REGULAR PRICE: $39.99
ON SALE NOW! $34.99
The Norfolk Southern Heritage Units impressed rail fans far and wide. The Norfolk Southern 30th Anniversary Heritage Pin Set was also designed to impress. Celebrating Norfolk Southern's 30th Anniversary, all 20 Heritage Railroads are represented in this collection. The beautiful presentation box measures 7.5 inches by 8.5 inches. The pins are approximately 1 inch x 1 inch, depending on shape. The inside cover of the box gives a brief history of each railroad represented. The box is black and comes in a white protective sleeve. This collection is a must for all rail fans! Purchase in the Museum Store, or online!
When you shop at the VMT, you are supporting the VMT!
Our Museum Store has the ultimate Valentine gifts for your train-loving, car-loving, aviation-loving enthusiasts. You can shop in person at the Museum in Downtown Roanoke or online at your convenience. We have toys, models, books and lovely items for the home.
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Save the date!
Troops, Trains and Travel in World War II
National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia
Tuesday, January 29
The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, has asked our resident historian, Deena Sasser, to present a lecture on the domestic use of railroads during World War II. This lecture is a part of their Lunchbox Lecture series and is entitled Troops, Trains, and Travel in World War II, and takes place on Tuesday, January 29, at noon at the Bedford Welcome Center. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Contact The National D-Day Memorial for more information.
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Preschool Pufferbellies at the VMT
Hands-on. Fun. Educational. Memorable.
Tuesdays AND Wednesdays, 10 am to 11 am
You asked for it!
Preschool Pufferbellies is now open to
group preschool classes AND individual preschoolers.
It's a great outing for your
train-loving, car-loving, airplane-loving tots!
Designed for 3-5 year olds to learn and play. Children will create and explore within the VMT classroom and galleries. Activities include songs, stories, real objects, crafts and transportation toys. There's a new topic every week! 
WHEN: Every Tuesday and Wednesday until May 31, 2013. The program starts at 10 am and follows the Roanoke City School calendar for breaks and closings.
Cost: $5 per member student/$10 per non-member student/FREE for ADULTS
Email Courtney Plaster, Education Coordinator at cplaster@vmt.org to schedule your preschool group today!
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Be on the lookout!
Wings & Wheels Summer
Camp Sign-up is coming soon!
It's not too early to think about building summer memories that will last a lifetime. We'll soon open registration for our 2013 Wings & Wheels Summer Camps for Pre-K through 5th Grade students! Check the VMT Facebook page, vmt.org and this newsletter in the coming weeks for more information!
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Volvo Model Truck added to growing Truck Exhibit
Thanks to Volvo Truck America in Dublin, Virginia, the VMT now has a new model in its growing Truck Exhibit. The exhibit, located in our Advance Auto Parts Automotive Gallery, displays truck models that represent the companies that travel through the Commonwealth.  | VMT Executive Director Bev Fitzpatrick and
Paul Howell of Volvo Truck America
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"These companies add so much to the economy of Virginia," said Bev Fitzpatrick, Jr., VMT executive director. "The Truck Exhibit honors the companies that truck goods throughout the Commonwealth." The VMT is working with trucking companies throughout the Commonwealth to expand the exhibit and showcase the positive impact of the trucking industry on the economy of the Commonwealth
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 Are you a VMT Member?
A membership to the Virginia Museum of Transportation isn't just a way to support the Museum. It's a year of fun! As a member, you can enjoy each and every Gallery throughout the year and be the first to see new exhibits!
You'll also enjoy special events, discounts on birthday parties and summer camps, special offers in our Museum Store and advanced notice of upcoming exhibits!
Members can also purchase 10 Anybody Passes for $20. Anybody Passes allow you to bring anybody outside your membership package with you to enjoy the Museum!
You can become a member online or by calling 540-342-5670 ext. 106.
Join or renew today!
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Happenings: Road. Rail. Air.
A new exhibit, Life Along the Line, offers an expansive view of Link's multidimensional portfolio and a moving account of the people and communities surrounding America's last steam railroad. Highlighting selections from Life Along the Line and new prints from the archives, the exhibition brings a new appreciation to the skill and vision of Winston Link. February 16 -17: Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society: 5th Annual George Washington's Train Show. Includes interactive model layouts, vendors, appraisers, food and more. Admission $5. Please call 540-862-2210 for more information.
Monthly - Second and Fourth Thursdays: The International Plastic Modelers' Society, Roanoke Valley Chapter hosts building and business meetings at the Museum each month, and competes in area shows. The entrance is on the back of the Museum just off the Rail Walk and around the corner from the Jupiter Rocket. 7 pm. Weekly - Tuesdays: The Roanoke Valley Model Engineers work on their ON30, HO, Lionel and N scale layouts each week in the basement of the Museum. The entrance is at the back of the Museum around the corner from the Jupiter Rocket. 6:30 pm to 8 pm. The club also invites younger members ages 8 - 18 to learn about model railroading. New members welcome! Monthly - Second Wednesday: Blue Ridge Chapter, National Railway Historical Society meets at Charley's Restaurant, 707 Graves Mills Road, Lynchburg, VA. Dinner begins at 6 pm. Official chapter meeting begins at 7:30 pm. Monthly - Third Thursday: Roanoke Chapter, National Railway Historical Society meets in the auditorium at the O. Winston Link Museum at 7:30 pm. |
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