Heritage Railways

Reviving Rail History: Unique Finds for Railroad Restoration In the realm of railroad restoration, the old adage, “One person’s junk could be another’s treasure,” takes on a profound significance. The quest for preservation often leads us to unexpected places, uncovering hidden gems that are crucial for keeping the rich tapestry of railroad history alive. Over…

Bubble Tour Adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine! Get ready for an exhilarating ride with everyone’s favorite locomotive! Thomas the Tank Engine invites you to ‘Pop’ onboard for a delightful journey with the “Day Out With Thomas: Bubble Tour.” This unique event is rolling into heritage railways nationwide, offering a whirlwind of fun and bubbles….

Riding the Rails into Fall: TVRM’s Seasonal Splendor Autumn at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVMR) this year was nothing short of spectacular. As the leaves changed into their vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange, we relaunched our beloved train journeys back to the historic towns of Chickamauga and Summerville, much to the delight…

A Nostalgic Ride Back to 1980 at TVRM: Celebrating 45 Years of 630 & USA 610! As dawn breaks tomorrow, visitors to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) will find themselves on a remarkable journey back in time. While every day at TVRM offers a peek into railroad history, tomorrow promises an especially nostalgic trip….

As the weekend approaches, it’s the perfect time to discover one of East Tennessee’s most breathtaking scenic journeys: the Hiwassee Loop and/or Copperhill Special train ride. For both railway enthusiasts and those new to the world of trains, this trip promises unparalleled views, rich history, and a taste of engineering ingenuity. Journeying through the heart…

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: THE COLOR TOUR IS HEADING TO TENNESSEE VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM FOR A COLORFUL TRAIN RIDE ADVENTURE All Aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine is coming to town and bringing a colorful new spin to Day Out With Thomas events. For the first time ever Thomas & Friends…

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Awarded Save America’s Treasures Grant The National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute for Museum and Library Services announced on Friday September 9, 2022, $24.25 million in Save America’s Treasures grants to fund 80 projects in…

Pullman Porters: Catalysts of Change in U.S. Railways In the golden age of American passenger railway service, luxury sleeping cars spelled elegance and sophistication, with the name “Pullman” becoming almost synonymous with such opulence. As passengers luxuriated in comfort, it was the Pullman Porters, primarily African-American men, who maintained the high standards of service that…

Doug Karhan: A Steward of Steam’s Legacy The world of steam locomotion and railway heritage has recently bid farewell to one of its unsung heroes. Doug Karhan, a venerated master mechanic of steam for Norfolk Southern from 1982 until the end of excursions in 1994, passed away on November 11, 2021. His legacy is a…

TVRM’s Tribute: Marines Guarding U.S. Mail in the 1920s The 1920s, often referred to as the “Roaring 20s”, was a decade filled with excitement, jazz, flappers, and immense cultural shifts. But beyond the music and dance, the decade holds a significant place in the annals of railroad history. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is…