Within the Hampton Roads area, there are many separate model railroad groups that passionately enjoy the hobby of model railroading. They get together whenever possible to talk about and operate their model railroads. These clubs temporarily assemble their layouts at train show, libraries, and sometimes at assisted living facilities for the public to enjoy. However, many of these clubs have no location to display a layout more permanently, the public’s access to view those displays is minimal.
Continuing discussion among members of these groups and the constant search for locations in which to display their layouts eventually led to an idea fostered by our current executive director about perhaps having a central location where all the model railroading clubs could build more permanent displays where they could have operating sessions regularly and be open to the public. This could provide an excellent education service to the community as well. Thus, creating a museum containing layouts of every gauge that train enthusiasts of all ages would enjoy and that would serve the community and the hosting city was created. A Founding Committee was formed out of these discussions, and the name “Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads” was chosen.
The vision of the Founding Committee is that the “Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads” will focus on the history of railroads shaped out country as well as demonstrate the art and science of model railroading as an educational endeavor with a long-established record of constructing model railroads using multiple disciplines combining art and science. The design and scope of the museum will be like no other in the country.
Please check out our website at: https://www.mrmhr.org/