In October 1990, a group of young volunteers began to clean and paint steam engine locomotive #35 which was stored in Mitchell Field and had fallen victim to vandalism. This enthusiastic group stuck with their efforts and in time became known as the Locomotive #35 Restoration Committee, a volunteer group under the Nassau County Parks.
In 1994, the group formalized their efforts and created the Friends of Locomotive #35 Incorporated. The focus of the organization was to raise funds to restore and find a suitable home for Locomotive #35. As time passed it became apparent that the groups focus was no longer just Locomotive #35, but rather a full fledged railroad museum.
In 2006, the group reincorporated as the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, a 501 c-3 educational, not-for-profit Corporation. With a new name that better reflects its true mission; the organization continues to strive toward the formation of a first class railroad museum in the hamlet of Oyster Bay.
Through the years, the organization has obtained other historical equipment. Additionally, great strides have been taken toward raising the necessary funding for the restoration of the historic Oyster Bay Railroad Station and Turntable. Some restoration work has already begun on these and other projects and the members remain dedicated to seeing this effort through to fruition.
To this end, on Feb 2nd 2008, the Museum opened its Preview Center to the public. Located at 102 Audrey Avenue in downtown Oyster Bay, the center is perfectly situated just around the corner from the museum’s historic train station and rail yard.
The museum also owns or cares for seven pieces of heavy equipment, including a caboose, two passenger coaches, and a boxcar, and a steam engine, ex-Long Island Railroad G-5s Number 35, currently undergoing restoration. The historic train station built in 1889 and then renovated in 1902 for Theodore Roosevelt to use during his presidency. The rail yard is home to one of the last remaining turntables on Long Island.
Currently the museum has over 200 members from all walks of life. We encourage you to visit our Membership page to learn what benefits membership to the OBRM offers. If you’re interested in volunteering, there is an area on the Volunteer Page for you to contact us.
