Nelson’s Crossing Exhibit Car Rebuild

A before photo of the exhibit car showing exhibits that had not been updated in a number of years.

Volunteers began by removing the existing exhibits and display cases. Many of these were over twenty years old.

Volunteers cleaned the interior and repainted the walls and ceilings.

The new exhibits include feature a digital presentation with videos and presentations about the history of railroading.

The new displays include exhibits about the history of the Illini Railroad Club, which is a club of students who attend the University of Illinois with an interest in railroading.

The exhibits include a series on the history of railroads in the United States.

The entrance to the exhibit area.

The new displays feature a map illustrated the history of railroading around Central Illinois.

During the spring and summer of 2022, museum volunteers rebuilt the interior of Delaware & Hudson baggage car #405 and installed new exhibits. This car is the first in a line of display cars that visitors can explore at the Nelson Crossing depot and learn about the history of railroading in central Illinois and the United States.