Waves of History — Amateur Radio Joins Founders Day at TVRM

Founders Day at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is always a celebration of stories that shaped Chattanooga’s rail heritage. This year, Saturday brings a new twist: the Chattanooga Amateur Radio Operators will be on site, broadcasting live from the Chickamauga Turn and inside the Ticket Office at Grand Junction Depot.

Their presence adds an exciting layer to a weekend already filled with classic train rides, living history, and family-friendly activities. Just as railroads once connected towns across America, amateur radio has long connected people across distances, creating its own kind of community.

👉 Don’t miss the chance to ride and experience history in motion: Reserve your Founders Day tickets here.

Railroad Tracks and Radio Waves

Steam locomotives and amateur radios may seem worlds apart, but they share something important: both represent eras when technology changed the way people connected.

• Railroads opened trade and travel across Tennessee, fueling growth and tourism.

• Amateur radio allowed voices to travel far beyond a city’s limits, forging friendships across the globe.

Seeing radio operators working alongside a moving train ride like the Chickamauga Turn helps visitors appreciate how communication and transportation have shaped life in Chattanooga.

The Chickamauga Turn: A Founders Day Favorite

The Chickamauga Turn ride departs from Grand Junction and takes passengers across the state border to the historic town of Chickamauga, Georgia. Along the way, guests experience the rhythm of steel wheels and the unique atmosphere that only a vintage train can provide.

During Founders Day, radio operators will demonstrate live contacts on board, proving that even in our wireless world, the art of amateur radio is alive and well. It’s a chance for riders to hear voices from across the country while the sound of the locomotive hums in the background.

TVRM’s Mission: Preserving More Than Trains

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is more than a tourist attraction—it’s a living museum. TVRM’s goal is to keep the railroad experience alive by operating real trains on preserved track. That authenticity is what draws families, school groups, and enthusiasts year after year.

By including groups like Chattanooga’s Amateur Radio Operators, TVRM highlights how different technologies have kept people connected over the decades. Both trains and radios are symbols of resilience, making their collaboration during Founders Day especially meaningful.

FAQs

Q: What if it rains on Founders Day?

A: The trains run rain or shine! Covered coaches and indoor exhibits ensure fun no matter the weather.