Help restore the Little Red Caboose: Museum seeks community support

Release courtesy of Wabash County Museum

WABASH COUNTY, IN __The Wabash County Museum proudly announces the launch of a fundraising campaign to restore the interior of its beloved New York Central Caboose, No. 19480. This 1920s-era caboose has long been a community landmark and centerpiece of the Museum’s educational programming. Now, the Museum is seeking community support to bring the interior back to life.

Thanks to a generous 2023 Norfolk Southern Grant, the caboose’s exterior was fully restored. Today, the striking red caboose welcomes thousands of visitors each year and serves as a meeting point for families and friends in downtown Wabash. But behind its doors, the interior remains in disrepair which prevents visitors from experiencing the full story of what life was like aboard a working caboose.

The Museum’s restoration project will transform the caboose into a hands-on learning environment for more than 20,000 annual visitors and nearly 4,000 students who participate in field trips each year. Planned updates include cleanup and lead paint mitigation, wood and metal repairs, electrical upgrades, improved stair access, and the addition of interactive technology. A monitor will be installed inside the caboose and another inside the Museum building, featuring a 360-degree virtual tour. This will allow visitors who cannot access the stairs to still experience the interior and explore the caboose in full detail.

The Museum has already raised $25,000 toward the restoration and is aiming to match that with an additional $25,000. The goal for this campaign is to raise at least $25,000 to fully fund the interior renovation and ensure the caboose remains a vibrant educational tool for generations to come.

“This restoration is more than a cosmetic project. It’s about preserving history, enhancing education, and inspiring imagination,” said Executive Director, Teresa Galley. “When complete, visitors will not only step inside a beautifully restored caboose, but they’ll also experience an immersive journey using virtual technology that brings railroad history to life.”

The New York Central Caboose will continue to serve as a gateway to Wabash’s Cultural District while becoming an even more dynamic part of the Museum’s programming. The Museum invites the public to support the Campaign to Restore the Little Red Caboose by making a donation today. Every contribution will help ensure that this treasured piece of history remains a vibrant part of Wabash for generations to come.

You can make a difference by donating at www.wabashmuseum.org/donate or contacting the Wabash County Museum at 260-563-9070!

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About Wabash County Museum
The Wabash County Museum is located at 36 E Market Street in downtown Wabash. To learn more about upcoming events for all ages, visitor information, or to check out our virtual tour, visit www.wabashmuseum.org. Follow the Museum on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates and event information.