Railway Coastal Museum
Encyclopedia
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
located in St. John's
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John's is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the oldest English-founded city in North America. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. With a population of 192,326 as of July 1, 2010, the St...
, Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
. It is located in the historic Newfoundland Railway
Newfoundland Railway
The Newfoundland Railway was a railway which operated on the island of Newfoundland from 1898 to 1988. With a total track length of , it was the longest narrow gauge railway system in North America.-Early construction:...
Station on Water Street
Water Street, St. John's
Water Street is located in downtown St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It was developed in the early 16th century, and is the oldest street in North America. It became a commercial trading outpost for the Basques, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English...
and contains exhibits detailing the history of the Newfoundland Railway and the history of coastal water transportation in the province.
The museum opened in 2003 on a grant from the Johnson Family Foundation
Paul Johnson (philanthropist)
Paul Jolliffe Johnson, ONL businessman and philanthropist born St. John's Newfoundland Canada, son of Marjorie and Arthur Johnson. Educated Prince of Wales College; King's College School, Windsor, Nova Scotia; Mount Allison Academy; Mount Allison University.A Commerce graduate, Johnson became...
. The museum is also noteworthy as "Mile Zero" of the Trans-Canada Trail.
The building has been designated as a municipal heritage building and is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places
Canadian Register of Historic Places
The Canadian Register of Historic Places is an online, searchable database that includes listings of historic places important to communities, cities, provinces, territories, and the nation...
.
With the closure of the Newfoundland Railway
Newfoundland Railway
The Newfoundland Railway was a railway which operated on the island of Newfoundland from 1898 to 1988. With a total track length of , it was the longest narrow gauge railway system in North America.-Early construction:...
, the station is no longer connected to any tracks, all torn up and reverted to other uses. The museum does not own or display any rolling stock as it is now surrounded by development.
The Museum is affiliated with: CMA
Canadian Museums Association
The Canadian Museums Association is a national organization for the promotion of museums in Canada.The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of the Canadian museum sector, representing Canadian museum professionals both within Canada and internationally. The...
, CHIN
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Canadian Heritage Information Network is a Canadian government-supported organization that provides a networked interface to Canada's heritage, largely through the World Wide Web. It aims to give access to Canada's heritage for both Canadians and a worldwide audience, by supporting the...
, and Virtual Museum of Canada
Virtual Museum of Canada
The Virtual Museum of Canada is Canada's national virtual museum. With a directory of over 3,000 Canadian heritage institutions and a database of over 600 virtual exhibits, the VMC brings together Canada's museums regardless of size or geographical location.The VMC includes virtual exhibits,...
.
Other locations on the island with cars:
- Port aux BasquesChannel – Port aux BasquesChannel-Port aux Basques is a town at the extreme southwestern tip of the island of Newfoundland fronting on the eastern end of the Cabot Strait. A Marine Atlantic ferry terminal is located in the town which is the primary entry point onto the island of Newfoundland and the western terminus of...
- cars and station - Corner Brook - cars at Railway Society Of Newfoundland
- Bishop's Falls - cars
- Carbonear -
- AvondaleAvondale, Newfoundland and LabradorAvondale is a Canadian town located on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.The community is situated at the southwestern head of Conception Bay in Division No. 1. It is located southwest of St...
- track used for trolleys - Trinity Loop - functional section of track and museum
- LewisporteLewisporteLewisporte is a town in central Newfoundland Island, Canada, with a population of 3,312. It is situated in a bay close to the mouth of the Exploits River. Lewisporte has an excellent port and related facilities that serve the many communities along Notre Dame Bay. Gander and its international...
- train cars - WhitbourneWhitbourneWhitbourne may refer to:* Richard Whitbourne , English colonist, author and mariner* Whitbourne, Herefordshire, England, United Kingdom* Whitbourne, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada...
- station