Mission Statement

To preserve the historical, technical, and cultural fabric of Central Pennsylvania railroaders for future generations."

Vision Statement

To interpret the legacy of Central Pennsylvania railroaders, of all eras, for the purpose of  public education and enlightenment."

Forming The Organization

The National Park Service's interest in western Pennsylvania's historic roads and sites led to the formation of America's Industrial Heritage Project in 1988. As part of the program, the Railroaders Memorial Museum collaborated with government officials to renovate tourist facilities at the nearby Horseshoe Curve. The Railroaders Memorial Museum would eventually operate the $5.8 million visitor center. Museum officials also collaborated with agents from the project to seek a larger space for the organization. In 1990, the Railroaders Memorial Museum expressed interest moving into the nearby Master Mechanics Building. The four-floor brick office building had originally been constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad, with sections of the structure dating to 1882. It had last been occupied by Conrail and vacated in 1984. The $12 million initiative to renovate the Master Mechanics Building was funded by the National Park Service, the Federal Highway Administration, and a state grant. Grand opening ceremonies were finally held on April 25, 1998. Today, the Master Mechanics Building still houses the museum, along with its archive and offices. It is the primary headquarters for the non-profit organization including the museum's sister site, the Horseshoe Curve.

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In 1965, after much political consideration and public debate, Strasburg was chosen as the location for the new Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Despite this decision, the Altoona Railway Museum Club continued its efforts to create a museum in Altoona. In 1968, the group was granted a charter by the National Railway Historical Society to begin operating as the Horseshoe Curve Chapter. In an attempt to gain public support, the organization collected railroad memorabilia and displayed exhibitions in empty storefronts and at community events. Eventually, the Railroaders Memorial Museum was incorporated in 1972, but had no repository for its historic artifacts. In 1975, the Altoona Redevelopment Authority sold a parcel of land previously purchased from the Penn Central Transportation Company to a private developer for use as a shopping center. The land deal stipulated that the owner donate a portion of the property and $50,000 towards museum construction. The organization finally received full ownership of the property in 1978. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on May 13, 1979. The 10,000 square foot museum, consisting of an exhibit area, gift shop, and memorial hall, officially opened to the public on September 21, 1980. A decade of grassroots efforts had finally paid off.

Administration

Joseph A. DeFrancesco | Executive Director 
Brendan Betts | Director of Operations
Candy Holliday | Director of Marketing and Events

Staff

James "JP" Prough | Maintenance Supervisor
Teresa Feathers | Retail - Horseshoe Curve
Cheri Nash | Retail -Railroaders Memorial Museum
Matthew Wolff | Archive Manager
Alicia Qatipi | Site Assistant 
Brittany Betts | Site Assistant 
Thomas Scanlon | Site Assistant

Board of Directors

Officers

Wick Moorman | Chairman
Bennett Levin | Secretary 
Mark Ritchey | Treasurer 
Joseph A. DeFrancesco | CEO

Directors

​​Directors
Donald Graab
Jason Lamb
Frank Givler 
Financial Advisor
Jendy Maines | CPA