The Railroad Museum of New England (RMNE), after careful consideration by the Board of Trustees, will remain closed through the 2020 operating season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our mission as a not-for-profit educational and historical organization is to tell the story of the region’s rich railroad heritage through educational exhibits and the operation of the Naugatuck Railroad.

“This decision was not made lightly, but ensuring the health and safety of our volunteers and visitors is paramount,” says RMNE President John Cerreta. “We will continue our work to preserve yesterday’s history — including renovating our building — to prepare for our reopening to visitors. The entire RMNE family thanks all of you who have created memories with us and look forward to creating new memories in the future.”

Founded in January 1968 as the Connecticut Valley Railroad Association, RMNE has more than 500 members and counting. The museum includes a diverse collection representative of New England railroading - including locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and cabooses. When in operation, the Naugatuck Railroad train offers beautiful views of the beautiful Naugatuck River valley, Thomaston Dam, and surrounding countryside scenery. The railroad also offers a variety of seasonal and themed train rides that have become family favorites.

According to Cerreta, “We are closely monitoring the ongoing pandemic, and we will reevaluate opening plans in 2021,” Cerreta added. We look forward to resuming passenger operations in 2021 so that families can once again enjoy their family traditions and continue learning about our region’s railroad heritage.”

To stay up-to-date on news from RMNE, follow facebook.com/naugatuck.railroad or visit RMNE.org.



Railroad Museum of New England
Railroad Museum of New England is a not-for-profit educational and historical organization whose mission is to tell the story of the region's rich railroad heritage.