BOOTHBAY RAILWAY VILLAGE

The programs highlight how the Industrial Revolution has changed our lives. Each program is tailored to the grade level of the class.

Track gauge is measured between the inner faces of the load-bearing rails. Gauge matters because all of the equipment running within a network needs to have running gear to match the gauge. The U.S. standard railroad gauge is 4 ft. 8.5 in. Maine had a unique system of narrow gauge railroads on track just 24 inches apart developed to lower the cost of railroad construction and operation, allowing them to be built in areas where it would not otherwise be economically feasible.

At their peak, the Maine Two-Footers operated on over 200 miles of track transporting both passengers and freight in and out of rural Maine. They played a key role in the timber industry as well as early tourism efforts. These companies were the smallest narrow gauge common carrier railroads in the United States.

The museum operates a fleet of steam and diesel locomotives, along with vintage and replicas of Maine narrow gauge rolling stock, on over three-quarters of a mile of two foot gauge track.

In addition to riding the train, visitors experience two authentic train stations (1912 Freeport and 1871 Thorndike) as well as 12 other buildings from Maine railroads including several car houses and a very unique octagonal crossing shanty once located in Portland, Maine.

The Maine Narrow Gauge exhibit contains the story through words, photographs and artifacts of the unique history of Maine and the two foot railroads. Included are rare artifacts from the many Maine two foot rail lines.

The heart of the Boothbay Railway Village is the village. Comprised of many historically significant structures that house artifacts and displays of rural Maine from the mid-19th through the mid-20th centuries, the village can transport the visitor to a time well before computers, cell phones and even television.

Whether it is a lecture series in the 1847 Town Hall or one of many festivals and special events that take place on the green, the village is the center of the museum and its activities. From a 1927 GE Refrigerator to an immense collection of vintage salt & pepper shakers the Museum’s collection of every day objects offers visitors the opportunity to reminisce and reconnect with times long past.

A variety of artisans come to work at the Museum to bring to life the craft and handiwork of bygone eras in Maine. Visitors have the opportunity to observe artists as they work, to touch instruments, tools, and objects—and to ask questions.

The open-air programs run from 10 am to 4 pm allowing visitors of all ages to watch the artists work and perhaps make a purchase directly from the artisan.