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Welcome to the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum!
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, located in Hamburg, PA, is owned and operated by the
Reading Company Technical & Historical Society, a non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Reading Railroad. Open to the public since 2008, the Museum tells the story of the Reading Railroad, one of the world's largest corporations, made even more famous by the game of MONOPOLY. Currently in the initial stages of development, the Museum features vintage railroad cars and locomotives, photographs, documents and artifacts from the Reading Railroad.
The Museum is open on Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm, and on Sundays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. For more information about visiting us, click here.
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THE ART OF JAMES L. HOLTON
A SPECIAL OPENING RECEPTIONFriday, April 20 from 7 to 9:30 PM
Come celebrate the art of the late James Holton the Reading Railroad
Refreshments will be served
Admission: $10.00 per person at the door |
Jim was a native of Reading who spent more than 30 years as a writer and editor for The Reading Eagle, the Associated Press, and NBC News. A descendent of 4 generations of employees of the Reading Railroad, Jim memorialized the history of the Reading Railroad on canvas and also by writing a two-volume history, “The Reading Railroad: History of a Coal Age Empire”. His art focuses on scenes from the railroad, incorporating scenes and vignettes along the rails and around Reading during the era of steam locomotives. His colorful and masterful paintings draw the viewer into a by-gone golden era of travel and hometown life. Forty-five original paintings will be on public display for the first time.
“The Art of James L. Holton” exhibit will continue through October 14, 2012.
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum is located at 500 S. Third Street, Hamburg PA.
Hours are Saturdays 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays noon to 4 PM.
Admission: adults $5; seniors (65 +) $4; ages 5-12 $3; children under 5 and active military, free.
Thank you CarTech Corporation
The ReThe RCT&HS would like to thank Carpenter Technology Corporation (http://www.cartech.com) which awarded us a grant of $1,000 to purchase computer equipment. This generous donation has been used to purchase a Toshiba computer that has enough power and memory to run the museum software program “Past Perfect”.
In order to complete our computer system, we need to purchase “Past Perfect” software. This is
the program used by other museums to keep and share records of the collection. For security purposes, this also keeps a photo record with each entry. We need your help to raise $1500. This program can be used for EVERYTHING in our collection. It can be for artifacts, archives, motive power, and rolling stock. Any help to obtain this, no
matter how small, will be greatly appreciated. Any check made out to “RCT&HS” and marked “PAST PERFECT” can be mailed to RCT&HS, P.O.Box 15143, Reading, PA 19612. Contact Paul Troutman at 610-926-4919 with any questions. Thank you.
2012 Reading Railroad Calendar Now Available!
The Society's 2012 Reading Railroad Calendar featuring the steam and diesel engines of the Reading is now available. Click here for details!
Members - We Need Your Help!
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum has been directed to remove our vintage wooden Reading Company railcars and Reading cafe car #2060 from their current location in Jim Thorpe, PA. While we have a plan to accomplish this, unfortunately we presently lack sufficient funds to perform the required work. We recognize the current economic situation that affects us all; however, this is a truly urgent request to avoid the loss of this historic equipment. Donations in any denomination are certainly appreciated. If you are able to assist in this manner, please contact Society Treasurer Jim Adams via e-mail at adamsjimca@comcast.net. Your consideration and assistance is greatly appreciated!
Please Support the Track Fund!
Due to emerging economic realities, it has become imperative that we move the overwhelming majority of our rolling stock collection onto Museum property as quickly as possible. Presently we have four display tracks on the property (click here for an update on recent track construction at the Museum), and making preparations to lay more. While we are fortunate to have the expertise within the organization to build the necessary trackage, we urgently need funds to purchase the needed materials. PLEASE consider a tax-deductible donation to the Track Fund. We realize these are difficult economic times for many people; however, the need in this instance is truly urgent. If you care to contribute, you can mail your donation to:
Reading Railroad Heritage Museum/RCT&HS
Attn: Museum Track Fund
PO Box 15143
Reading, PA 19612-5143
| As an alternative, you can click on the button at right to make an online donation via our PayPal service. |
All donors will receive a written letter of thanks and acknowledgement of the donation for tax purposes. Your generosity is MUCH APPRECIATED in this time of critical need for the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum!
Our Rich Historical Heritage - Berks Heritage Council
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum and Reading Company & Technical & Historical Society are proud members of the Berks Heritage Council, an organization of more than two dozen Museums, Historical Organizations and Heritage Sites in the county. The Council's mission is to promote awareness of Berks County's rich historical heritage. The various historical attractions around the County are some of the area's "hidden treasures," click here to download a brochure with more information about the Council and its members, or you can visit the Museum Council's website!
Pennsylvania's "Hidden River" - The Schuylkill River Heritage Area
The Reading Railroad's early development centered around the Schuylkill River - the Main Line followed the course of the River itself, and its principal reason for existence in the earliest days was to transport coal from the mines to the river and canal for transport by water. Thus, the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum and the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society are proud to support the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area. Covering the entire course of the Schuylkill River from the coal regions to Philadelphia, the Heritage Area sponsors a variety of recreational and cultural activities to help celebrate and preserve the history of one of Pennsylvania's great natural resources. Visit their website today!
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