On July 29th, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off construction of the new 16,000-square-foot, six-stall roundhouse at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located in Strasburg, Pa. This significant project marks a major step forward in preserving the state’s rich railroad heritage.

Commonwealth officials and project leaders gathered to put shovels to dirt, symbolizing the beginning of this transformative endeavor. Dignitaries participating in the groundbreaking included Andrea Lowery, Executive Director, PHMC; Patrick Morrison, Director, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania; Greg Kirk, Deputy Secretary, DGS; Dr. William Lewis, Commission and Vice Chair, PHMC; Randell Spackman, Commission, PHMC; David Dunn, Director Emeritus, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania; Pat Browne, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

The new roundhouse, designed by Erdy McHenry Architecture of Philadelphia, will feature a classic fan-shaped layout, incorporating brick, steel, and glass, along with a clerestory-style roof for natural lighting. Once completed, it will provide a climate-controlled environment for the long-term preservation and exhibition of six Pennsylvania Railroad historic steam locomotives, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility will also include a hard-surface, ADA-accessible pathway for easy visitor access and ample space for viewing and photographing exhibits.

In conjunction with the roundhouse construction, the Museum’s 1928 Reading Company turntable will undergo complete refurbishment and updating. Tracks surrounding the turntable will be rebuilt, and enhanced safety fencing will be added around the turntable pit.

The Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania have spearheaded a “Ready For The Roundhouse” fundraising campaign, already raising over $300,000 to support restoration work associated with the locomotives that will be housed in the new structure.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by early 2027. During this construction period, the Museum’s outdoor yard will be closed to ensure the safety of all visitors.

-via Press Release