I just received a message on FB that the Virginia Museum of Transportation is closing because of the evil virus. The message did not sound optimistic about reopening. How would the exhibits,particularly 1218,be disposed of? Would it be put up for auction? I would expect 2156 to return to St.Louis,maybe sooner than later. Does anyone know more? Thanks.
Living in Virginia as I do I wouldn't rely on anything concerning the VMT unless it comes from the museum itself. That's a pretty big establishment out there. Certainly they're closed due to the coronavirus lockdowns like so many other places are, but that shouldn't mean it's all over for them.
There's an awful lot of nonsense floating around social media.
I went to their website and found this:
VMT To help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Virginia Museum of Transportation will be closed until further notice. We are experiencing unprecedented times in regards to our closure and COVID-19’s impact both locally and worldwide. Almost every business in the country, especially those that serve the public, like our museum, has been drastically impacted. Sadly, many businesses/organizations will not survive this. As a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on admissions, membership sales/renewals, store sales, and donations to operate the museum and take care of our small staff. Even though we are the transportation museum of the Commonwealth, we receive no federal or state funding and a very small amount from the local governments. With no visitors nor events during this time of social distancing, we have lost almost the entirety of our income. We continue to work diligently to provide virtual offerings as well and continue to plan for exciting events and programs for when we reopen.
To help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Virginia Museum of Transportation will be closed until further notice.
We are experiencing unprecedented times in regards to our closure and COVID-19’s impact both locally and worldwide. Almost every business in the country, especially those that serve the public, like our museum, has been drastically impacted. Sadly, many businesses/organizations will not survive this.
As a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on admissions, membership sales/renewals, store sales, and donations to operate the museum and take care of our small staff. Even though we are the transportation museum of the Commonwealth, we receive no federal or state funding and a very small amount from the local governments. With no visitors nor events during this time of social distancing, we have lost almost the entirety of our income.
We continue to work diligently to provide virtual offerings as well and continue to plan for exciting events and programs for when we reopen.
Looks like they plan to re-open eventually.
The pandemic has forced the closure of numerous museums and tourist railroads, including my own organization. Even work on our restoration projects has been suspended.
But if you want to see what happens when a railway museum has to dispose of or move its collection, look up the Indiana Transportation Museum case, which has been ongoing for the last couple years.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
I just got an email to renew my membership yesterday, so, they will open back up eventually.
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Thanks Jim! Nothing like hearing from someone on site.
Good to know. Can you imagine Mighty 611 or 2018 at a garage sale?
GM 209 You could see them on Barrett-Jackson or Mecum Auctions.
You could see them on Barrett-Jackson or Mecum Auctions.
Ozark Mountain
I think they're smart to not announce a re-opening date. No one knows what's going to happen.
Various sports leagues announced modified schedules, and then had to re-modify, and then finally cancelled or re-modified again.
I think VMT will eventualy re-open.
I wonder how much help, if any, they get from NS. I know about the equipment donations, but not whether NS contributes to the operating budget, etc.
At this point I'd be surprised if they were getting any support from NS.
When Wick Mooreman was the NS CEO the company was an active supporter, I can't give you any numbers, but I do know Mr. Wick sold some of the NS art collection to help fund 611's restoration. He also opened up the railroad for 611 excursions. Needless to say, all that ended when he left the company.
Flintlock76 I do know Mr. Wick sold some of the NS art collection to help fund 611's restoration.
BigJim Flintlock76 I do know Mr. Wick sold some of the NS art collection to help fund 611's restoration. I bet he was glad that he was able to sell that ugly thing!
I bet he was glad that he was able to sell that ugly thing!
Yeah, I know what you mean!
There's an old saying, "I don't know art, but I know what I like!" If the picture I saw was any indication that thing was hideous!
Fine art = pokemon cards for rich people.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Social media = giving a worldwide audience to people who have not earned or deserve one.
rrnut282 Social media = giving a worldwide audience to people who have not earned or deserve one.
This explains why I avoid social media of any sort: no Facebook, no Instagram, no Twitter and assorted other useless media.
CSSHEGEWISCH rrnut282 Social media = giving a worldwide audience to people who have not earned or deserve one. This explains why I avoid social media of any sort: no Facebook, no Instagram, no Twitter and assorted other useless media.
Same here.
Lady F does Facebook, but strictly for communicating with her siblings, sometimes it's easier for her that way. Otherwise she wouldn't bother with it either.
CSSHEGEWISCHThis explains why I avoid social media of any sort: no Facebook, no Instagram, no Twitter and assorted other useless media.
Your perogative - but there is a lot of useful and informative, well, information on those platforms. Even many historical societies post tons of stuff that is awesome (SP 9010 guys come to mind instantly).
The other day, as part of the Apollo 13 anniversary, someone (NASA maybe? I forget) was tweeting messages about the mission as if it were happening in real time.
So while you may not find use, it doesn't mean it is useless.
I mean, this forum is a form of social media.
The real irony is the way that those who are making Zuckerburg wealthy spill their lives all over his website and then complain about the loss of privacy.
CSSHEGEWISCHThe real irony is the way that those who are making Zuckerburg wealthy spill their lives all over his website and then complain about the loss of privacy.
Or you can be like many, and just read the trainloads of information groups and historical societies put out. Far easier platform to share information than many.
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"This explains why I avoid social media of any sort: no Facebook, no Instagram, no Twitter and assorted other useless media." Sorry to inform you, but this IS social media
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