Our History
The Central Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Inc. was chartered on November 8, 1970, with fourteen founding members.
From its inception, the Chapter always had a dream of having a permanent home for Chapter activities and a railroad museum. The Chapter purchased the former Tavares & Gulf Railroad depot at Winter Garden from the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad on October 22, 1979, and immediately began restoration efforts on the structure.
The Central Florida Railroad Museum grand opening was held on May 21, 1983. The Society also holds it's monthly meetings in the recently renovated Ken Murdock Gallery in the former Roper Building, attached to the eastern end of the depot.
On August 13, 2012, the Chapter's membership voted to withdraw from the National Railway Historical Society, Inc. and form the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc. The official date for the change was January 1, 2013.
Through the operation of the Central Florida Railroad Museum, the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc. is committed to the collection and preservation of railroad history, with a special focus on Central Florida, and the restoration and exhibition of railroad memorabilia for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
The Central Florida Railroad Museum is operated under a cooperative agreement between the City of Winter Garden, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc.
Over the years, the Society has been involved in a number of activities that include being a Partner-In-Education with Lakeville Elementary School in Apopka, Florida, sponsoring model train and railroadiana shows, hosting North American Rail Car Operator Association motor car visits to Winter Garden and the Central Florida Railroad Museum, hosting Society field trips to railroad-related locations throughout Florida and the southeastern United States; the loaning of railroad-related artifacts for displays throughout Central Florida; and sponsored train rides out of Winter Garden over the Florida Central Railroad.
We invite you to be a part of our society through membership or support the museum with your donation. Thank you.
