Shoreline Trolley Museum
17 River Street
East Haven, CT 06512
(203) 467-6927 recording • 467-7635
http://shorelinetrolley.org/

And you thought the railroad was romantic. Wait till you step aboard a 1904 trolley! There are a few other railroad museums around, but most are a long haul off if you live in the New York metropolitan area. These trolleys are truly something to behold.

Operated by the Branford Electric Railway Association, the Museum features a 1½ mile railway that has been in operation since 1900. A number of different antique trollies take visitors on thrilling rides, recreating the good old times quite effectively. The tour takes an historic route across the East Haven River on a wooden trestle, past an unspoiled tidal marsh (home to many species of birds), over an old stone quarry, across another trestle over Stony Creek, and finally to Short Beach, where the crew "changes ends" by reversing the poles and car seats, and moving the control handles to the other end of the car.

Along the route, the trolley stops at Farm River Road, the location of the Carbarns, where the bulk of the Museum's collection of cars is kept. On a walking tour, you can explore cars dating from 1880 to 1906. Then comes the Restoration Shop, where restoration and/or maintenance work is in progress.

After touring the shop, you'll see trains and trolleys that represent milestones in electric railway history as well as eras in American urban history. The exhibits range from an 1888 locomotive to a modern 1940 streamliner, as well as work trolleys and a deluxe parlor car.

Trolleys run about every 30 minutes (or more frequently if needed), so you can take your time discovering these great antiques. After the tour, a trolley returns you to your point of origin, the Sprague Station, where another gallery features videos, trolley artifacts, and hands-on exhibits.

Several Special Events are sponsored throughout the year, featuring cars that are not normally used or work equipment "doing its thing." And, for special occasions, cars are available for charter.

This is a friendly place that people of all ages will enjoy.