CONNECTICUT TROLLEY MUSEUM

Atrip to the Connecticut Trolley Museum is more than just a New England outing, it’s experiencing history. With over 70 pieces of rail equipment dating back to 1869, the Museum takes visitors back to a time when trolleys were the modern mode of transportation.

“You’re living history when you visit,” said Trolley Museum Executive Director Gina Maria Alimberti. “You’re not just watching it, you’re riding on an antique trolley. You are living history.”

Historic passenger and freight trolley cars, interurban cars, elevated railway cars, passenger and freight railroad cars, service cars, locomotives and a variety of other equipment from railways around Connecticut are on display. Trolleys from Brooklyn, Boston, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Springfield, Lynchburg, Montreal and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil are also at the Museum.

And while many of the Museum’s guests are trolley and transportation enthusiasts, many are families seeking a fun adventure. This month, the Connecticut Trolley Museum offers fall fun two ways – a familyfriendly Pumpkin Patch and the Rails to the Darkside, a nighttime ride for those seeking a good scare.

“The Pumpkin Patch includes a trolley ride to a pumpkin field where visitors can select a free sugar pumpkin, which they can decorate in the Visitor’s Center,” said Alimberti, adding that admission also includes a visit to the Firetruck Museum, also located on site.

The Pumpkin Patch event offers various fallthemed activities, including a new corn maze-style attraction. It takes place weekends at 10 a.m. through Oct. 30. Admission is $5.50 for members 2-11, $6.50 members ages 12-17 and seniors, and $7 for adult members. Non-member admission is $11 for ages 2-11, $13 for 12-17 and seniors, and $14 for adults. Children under 2 are free.

“The Rails to the Darkside is a scary event suggested for ages 16 and older,” Alimberti said. “It starts with a walk-through of the Visitor’s Center then a trolley ride. And it is really scary.”

Alimberti said parents can choose to bring children younger than 16, but the 45-minute trolley ride is not able to stop, therefore it is recommended for older teens and adults. Rails to the Darkside runs Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. throughout October. Cost is $25 for non-members and $12.50 for members.

The Connecticut Trolley Museum is a nonprofit organization and Alimberti said events such as

these support Museum operations. In addition to fundraising, the Museum benefits from the hard work of volunteers.

“I am our only paid, full-time employee,” she said. “We have a few part-time staff but we rely on volunteers.”

She said some Museum volunteers are trolley enthusiasts, but many are retired and enjoy helping and seeing the families at the Museum. Alimberti said all volunteers are trained and she is always seeking new volunteers. Anyone interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities – which include trolley operators – should contact Alimberti at office@ct-trolley.org. She added that volunteers are still needed to assist children at the Pumpkin Patch craft tables as well as anyone who wants to give a good scare during the Rails to the Darkside.

The largest generator of funds all year is the Winterfest and Tunnel of Lights event that runs from Nov. 25-Dec. 30 this year.

According to ct-trolley.org, Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights is celebrating its 43rd year as a family holiday tradition. Alimberti said over 15,000 lights bring the spirit of the holiday to life. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols with their trolley car operators. For an openair view of the Tunnel of Lights, one open sleigh car is lit up entirely with holiday lights. The website urges visitors to dress warm and bring blankets. The Visitor Center is decorated like a winter wonderland with multiple model train layouts and lights. A food vendor will be on-site serving hot cocoa, coffee, donuts and cookies through Dec. 19.

The Museum has teamed up with Campiti Ventures who has created holiday 3D holographic exhibits. There will be several displays to view during the tunnel of lights trolley ride and several displays in and around the Visitor Center.

“It really is a fun place to visit, not just during our events, but all year,” said Alimberti, noting that there is a Storytime Trolley as well.

THE CONNECTICUT TROLLEY MUSEUM IS LOCATED AT 58 NORTH RD. IN EAST WINDSOR, CT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 860-627-6540 OR VISIT WWW.CT-TROLLEY.ORG

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