Description
The museum operates a collection of restored trolleys on a 1.5 mile right of way once connecting the city of New Haven with the Connecticut shore line. In 1983, the museum received a National Historic District designation as the oldest continuously operated suburban trolley line in the United States.
The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past giving critical insight as to how this early electric, clean mode of transportation helped in the creation of suburban life, integrated neighborhoods, and allowed local businesses to thrive.
The museum offers guided and self-guided educational tours for individuals, families, and larger groups. The Museum, operated by the Branford Electric Railway Association, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Tour guides, curatorial staff and trolley operators consist of trained, knowledgeable, and dedicated volunteers.
Over the past decade, the museum has received $3M in FEMA funding (currently still active) for vehicle restoration from damage incurred during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy. The organization received a $1M state bond to build car storage buildings to ensure safety from future storms and is currently working with a $1.5M state bond to bring water, sewer and fire protection into the trolley yard. Several single and multi-year grants from private funders have exceeded $1M in the last decade.
Operational budget runs just above $400,000 and normal fundraising years realize approximately $100,000 in private philanthropy.
