[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10569]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2013

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
founders, members and many volunteers of the Minnesota Transportation 
Museum on the 50th anniversary of the museum. Based in the historic 
Jackson Street railroad roundhouse in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the museum 
plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the history of 
Minnesota's transportation systems. The museum allows the public to 
learn about more about how our state has grown, and experience first-
hand the vintage rail cars, trains and buses that have helped move and 
transform our state.
  From its inception, the Minnesota Transportation Museum has been a 
one-of-a-kind museum, with six operating sites. The museum was first 
formed to save a single streetcar, Twin City Rapid Transit (TCRT) 
#1300, as it was only one of two that survived completely intact after 
TCRT was abandoned in 1954. Following restoration of #1300 to operating 
condition, it was decided that the streetcar would be returned to 
service for the public. The streetcar began making regular trips on a 
remaining stretch of the streetcar route in the southwest suburbs of 
Minneapolis. More than ten thousand people clamored aboard the car 
during the first several days of operation helping to propel the museum 
down the track to early success.
  Between 1981 through 1985 the Minnesota Transportation Museum ran a 
series of short steam excursions and shuttle operations in the Twin 
Cities area, including destinations in New Brighton, Stillwater, 
Lilydale, and Northfield, Minnesota. These operations spurred annual 
town celebrations that brought communities together to share and 
celebrate vision of the museum. Like many nonprofit organizations, the 
museum has encountered challenges, but the museum has always risen to 
overcome these obstacles, thanks to the many volunteers and public 
supporters drawn to the group's mission.
  Not unlike Minnesota transportation itself, the museum has had an 
amazing history. At the peak of its growth, the museum operated a 
streetcar line, an interstate tourist railroad, and a 70-foot wood 
steamboat. The creativity behind preserving this rich part of 
Minnesota's history remains intact through its volunteer and member 
network of more than 800 people, many of whom have remained active to 
this day. By preserving the earliest of streetcars, trains and 
steamboats, the museum also documents the journey of these vehicles to 
ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their rich 
history.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of the history and legacy of this organization 
and the many committed people who make it a success, I am pleased to 
submit this statement for the Congressional Record recognizing the 50th 
Anniversary of the Minnesota Transportation Museum.

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