Click on each image for a closer look!

I visited the new Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland, Oregon on October 20th, 2012. This is a newly opened museum which opened its doors on the 22nd of September.

The museum is supported by the city of Portland which, similarly to our situation, owns most of the major artifacts. They have been able to raise money in the range of millions of dollars and now have a functional new facility ideally situated on both the Oregon Pacific Railway for excursions and the Union Pacific Railway to access the
world.

In the attached photos, note especially the excellent layout of the gift shop with a strong selection of local-themed merchandise. The range of prices on the items was extensive so that just about anyone could find something they would like.

Along the same lines, they offer a variety of promotional materials both about their facility to attract visitors and for fundraising with clear information on what they have done and what they are fundraising for. I saw their brochures at other locations around town, particularly those that promoted their Holiday Express excursion train.

A significant similarity between our museums is we both have excellent locations near other tourist attractions and they are readily accessible by transit.  They haven’t put up any significant interpretative exhibits yet, but those are coming.

For more information, visit the Oregon Rail Heritage center website by clicking here.

Posting and pictures by Lance Gleich