Postal Service Stamp Train To Visit Railway Museum

DANBURY — History buffs, stamp collectors, railroad fans and students from all walks of life will have the unusual opportunity to explore the history of the United States through stamps on board the US Postal Service’s full-size train, Celebrate the Century Express.  The unique train will make a stop on its two-year nationwide tour at Danbury Railway Museum from Friday, September 8, through Sunday, September 10.

The CTC Express is a specially-outfitted four-car Amtrak train and traveling postal history exhibition that serves as the “iron ambassador” of the USPS’ “Celebrate the Century” commemorative stamp and education program. It consists of a sleek Genesis locomotive, a baggage car, a modern exhibit car featuring “Celebrate the Century” stamp and historical displays, a Railway Post Office (RPO) car, and a pre-1940’s business car.  All but the restored RPO and business cars are painted in a colorful, attention-getting postage stamp-related scheme.

When the Celebrate the Century Express pulls into Danbury, visitors will be able to take a journey through Postal time.  Coming aboard, visitors will experience a century’s worth of achievement and tragedy, entertainment and innovation, grit and greatness – all reflected in postage stamps and brought to life through multimedia displays and interactive activities.

In addition to the CTC Express train and its exhibits, visitors to Danbury Railway Museum this weekend will have the opportunity to ride the Rail Yard Local, a short trip on a vintage train stopping to ride the only operating turntable in Connecticut.  Rides aboard a 1940’s vintage caboose and ALCo RS-1 locomotive cab will also be available.

Activities and displays include the museum’s recently arrived 1907 Boston & Maine steam locomotive #1455, and over 50 other railway cars and locomotives, dealers of model trains, books and railroadiana, a walk-through locomotive display, operating model train layouts, a special US Postal Service stamp cancellation, a gift shop, food, clowns, bands, and more.  Also available to explore will be the museum’s permanent exhibits in the restored 1903 train station.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that the Postal Service has chosen Danbury Railway Museum as its only stop in New England during its nationwide tour,” said Tom McCullough, a DRM director. “This postal history museum on rails has been enjoyed by over 150,000 people in the past 18 months and to have the opportunity to share this experience with the kids and adults in our area is very exciting for us.”

Due to the uniqueness of this event, the normal museum entrance fees will be waived during the entire weekend; admission is free all three days. There will be a nominal charge for the Rail Yard Local train and turntable ride.

Hours for the general public are Friday, September 8, from 2 to 7 pm; Saturday, September 9, from 10 am to 7 pm, with a gala opening ceremony to take place at 11 am; and Sunday, September 10, from 11 am to 6 pm.

Danbury Railway Museum is located in the restored Danbury Station and railyard at 120 White Street.  For further information, visit the museum’s web site at www.danbury.org/drm, or call the museum at 778-8337.  Additional information on the CTC Express itself can be found at www.usps.com/ctc/train/welcome.htm.