Development Desk

We hope our new site will serve to educate and build support for the important mission of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum - that being, to heighten public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the railroad's role in our heritage and to increase public understanding of rail technology and its impact on Long Island life. The museum will collect, preserve and interpret the railroad heritage of Long island.

The Oyster Bay Station, built in 1889 and placed on the National Registry of Historic Places will be preserved, restored and will house the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum. The very place that President Theodore Roosevelt used to commute from his home, Sagamore Hill and Washington, D.C. will now host families, school children and tourists.

The Museum will incorporate a "Visitor Center" that will showcase and provide information regarding the many Oyster Bay attractions, merchants, restaurants and civic groups. A "Tourist Trolley" will originate at the new Museum Plaza and transport visitors to the hamlets many attractions.

OBRM has completed a structural analysis and is in the midst of a campaign to complete its restoration.

Locomotive #35 was built in 1928 by the Pennsylvania RR's Juniata Shops and was built for the PRR subsidiary, the Long Island RR. #35 was one of the last steam engines in service on the LIRR.

In 2007 the Nassau County Bond Act awarded a $524,000 grant to the Museum for the locomotive's restoration. This process is underway and we are seeking public support to bring about the day when people will be able to experience the sounds, smells and simple technology that can only be provided by a steam locomotive.

The past year has been both a productive and exciting one. The OBRM Collection has seen the addition of:

• a vintage P-54 passenger coach. This type of car saw service on the LIRR from 1923 thru 1974
• two 25 ton switching diesel locomotives that served the LIRR from 1958 thru 2006
• the restoration of the cab of the World's Fair locomotive.

OBRM is completing the restoration of the 1903 vintage "turntable" that was used to turn steam, and later diesel, locomotives upon their arrival in Oyster Bay for their trip back west. It too, was placed on the NRHP. It is located at the OBRM Rail Yard and can be visited on Saturdays between 12 PM to 4PM.

The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is working with the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County and the State of New York, as well as business and civic organizations to create a first class museum that will depict the rich history of the Long Island Rail Road and its impact on the hamlet and the region. OBRM will provide an experience that will be both educational and enjoyable for the entire family! Through interactive displays and hands-on learning experiences, visitors will be able to know what it was like to work, ride and be part of the Long Island Rail Road's history.

We hope you will join us and "get on board" for this historic initiative. We know you will enjoy the ride!