Museum Holiday Show Draws Families, Expands Programs and Plans

The museum reported a busy Holiday Show at MacArthur Mall on December 14, with families turning out to see seasonal displays and new operational features. A recently built operating water tower on the HO layout, constructed by Tom Trumbauer in collaboration with the Cape Henry HO Model Railroad Club, demonstrated how tenders are filled in real time, drawing particular interest from younger visitors and modelers interested in working mechanisms.

Gift shop managers refreshed inventory for the season, stocking children's books, train shirts, ornaments, KATO track and locomotives, N scale rolling stock, and scenery items. Shoppers who cannot find items in the museum store are encouraged to check the affiliate BYMRR.Store for additional availability.

The museum highlighted ongoing educational efforts that extend beyond the holiday show. Two STEM and STEAM groups are active right now. A younger group began a Winter Wonderland diorama on December 6, with scheduled completion on January 7, offering hands on experience in scenery and miniature construction. A teen group is building a 4 foot by 8 foot N scale layout. That project has most of its trackwork and wiring completed, while scenery and structures are in progress, giving teens experience across multiple model railroading disciplines.

Weekly online programming continues with the New Tracks Modeling series on Zoom and YouTube, and the museum supports a mentoring scholarship program for high school graduates pursuing STEAM fields. Educational outreach and group tour options are available, and the organization is seeking donations to support programs and scholarships that keep these initiatives running.

Looking ahead, the museum's lease at MacArthur Center has been extended through at least June 2026. Staff and volunteers are using the extension to plan options for a future multicultural arts center that would include a large model railroad exhibit in 2026. That expansion aims to broaden community engagement, create new hands on learning opportunities, and provide more room for both permanent and seasonal displays.