Reading Railroad Heritage Museum

Description:

The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum is the educational and interpretive center for the extensive collections of the Reading Company Technical and Historical Society. Displays, video, hands-on experiences, and events illustrate the impact of the Reading Railroad on southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond from its beginning in 1833 until the end of its era in 1976. The Museum is operated entirely by the RCT&HS, an all-volunteer non-profit corporation, whose efforts have assembled the collections and built the museum.

Museum visitors can go outdoors to see over 70 pieces of historic Reading Railroad locomotives, freight and passenger cars, one of the largest collections in the U.S. pertaining to a single railroad. The exhibit building features tools, machines, documents, uniforms, and many other items used by Reading Railroad workers. Model trains and a re-created station agent’s office are popular attractions. Exhibits on a variety of railroad subjects change seasonally. A 15-minute video, “The Reading Railroad Shaped Communities”, is shown in the Museum theater. Books, clothing, model trains, children’s toys, and treasures for rail enthusiasts of all ages are available at the Museum store.

2025 SPECIAL EXHIBITION (through October 31)

Pulling for the Union:  the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad in the Civil War showcases the contributions made to the Union victory by the P & R Railroad, the predecessor of the Reading Railroad. The railroad’s influence on industry, finance, arms, battles, and medicine are highlighted with display of vintage and replica artifacts.

Hours:  Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Admission:  Adults, $9; Seniors, $8; Children ages 5-12, $3; under 5 free