The N.C. Transportation Museum is open Memorial Day with train rides at 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

We're gearing up for some great May events.  May 1 - Carolina Classic Motorcycle Show, May 8 - Learning To Fly.  Find out more at http://www.nctrans.org/events/calendar_of_events.php.

Saturday, April 17, the museum will host our annual Volunteer Open House, Membership Day and Studebaker Car Show.  Find out how you can help keep N.C. transportation history alive, enjoy special member benefits and take in the classic cars!

THE N.C. TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY.

Exhibits come to life for our second annual "Night at the N.C. Transportation Museum."  Visit this Friday, March 6 for special nighttime tours, during which exhibits will come to life before your eyes.  Museum staff and volunteers will dress as the people who lived and worked around the machines of the past, telling their stories.  The program is free!

The N.C. Transportation Museum celebrates the history of Piedmont Airlines this Saturday, Feb. 20.  The event will honor the history of the Winston-Salem based airline, including a special presentation by Carol Dobyns Fair, 47 year Flight Attendant with Piedmont and US Airways.  We'll also offer a special look at the Piedmont Airlines DC-3.  Events begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 in the Bob Julian Roundhouse Orientation Room.

The following programs have been rescheduled:

February 13: Tuskegee Program 1:00 Roundhouse Orientation Room

February 27: Wright Brothers Program by Darrell Collins 3:00 Roundhouse Orientation Room

February 27: World Aloft Exhibit Opening 7:00 - 9:00 PM (Invitation Only)

March 6: Kevin Duffus program on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 1:00 Roundhouse Orientation Room

N.C. Transportation Museum appreciates those who plan early. Some of our Cookies and Cocoa with Santa ride times are nearly sold out already. Plenty of seats and times are still available, but don't wait until the last minute!   Visit this link for more information: http://www.nctrans.org/events/santa_train3.php

Santa Train tickets will only be on sale on the day of the event.  Plan now and arrive early!

The final weekend of "Day Out With Thomas" is Oct. 2-4.  Don't forget - "Disney's A Christmas Carol Train Tour" will appear at the museum Oct. 9-10 for a free, once in a lifetime event.  Click the link below for more information.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2009 Family Rail Days Festival.  Click the link below to buy your tickets in advance!  Rail Days is June 13-14 at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer.

Bernie Harbets, Woody the Mule and Maggie the Pony will visit the N.C. Transportation Museum April 25 for "Hoofing It By Mule Across North Carolina."  Harberts will share pictures, stories, and memories of his very slow journey across the state, which turned into a very slow journey across the nation.  Click here to find out more:  http://www.nctrans.org/media/Hoofing_It_Press_Release_2009.pdf

Spring Fever Train Rides continue through Saturday, April 11, and again April 14-18.  These special rides will be offered as a way to welcome in the warmer season  Train rides will be offered at 11am, 1, 2 and 3 pm each day.  The N.C. Transportation Museum will be closed Sunday for Easter.

"Day Out With Thomas" tickets are on sale now!  Thomas is scheduled to roll into the N.C. Transportation Museum September 25-27 and October 2-4 for the "Hero of the Rails" tour.  Bob the Builder will also be on-hand with the "Can-Do Crew!"  Ride along with Thomas, enjoy music, face painting and much, much more.  Become a N.C. Transportation Museum member and enjoy special discounts on Saturday and Sunday tickets.

February 21st:  The Piedmonster Flight Simulator will operate (pending available volunteers) with Capt. Bill Wilkerson on hand for stories and information.  Documentarian Richard Eller will also be on hand for a sneak peak of the first part of his documentary detailing the history of the Winston-Salem based airline.  Free.  Find out more at http://www.nctrans.org/events/calendar_of_events.php

February 24th:  N.C. Lining Bar Gangs:  The N.C. Transportation Museum unveils an exhibit focusing on the work and music of North Carolina African American Lining Bar Gangs.  Known as track maintenance workers, or "gandy dancers," they worked on North Carolina's Railroads from the 1800's through the mid-20th century.  Join us for this exploration of railroading history at 10 a.m.  Free. 

Winter Fever Train rides at the N.C. Transportation Museum roll down the tracks Dec. 27, 28, and 30.  Enjoy time with the family between Christmas and the New Year's rush, by enjoying the experience of a train ride and a visit to the N.C. Transportation Museum.  The museum will open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday, with train rides running at 11 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m..  Sunday, the museum is open 1-5 p.m., with train rides at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Get ready for the final weekend of Santa Train at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer.  Saturday and Sunday, December 20th and 21st, Santa Claus gives Donner, Blitzen, and all his reindeer a break. Instead of a sled, Santa will ride the rails at the N.C. Transportation Museum. One of the museum’s largest events, Santa Train allows visitors to take a 25-minute train ride with Santa and his elves. Santa will hand out oranges, a Southern railway tradition that dates back to the 1930’s. Find out more at http://www.nctrans.org/events/santa_train.php.

The N.C. Transportation Museum again hosts Kevin Duffus for War Zone: World War II Off North Carolina\'s Outer Banks.  Join us at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 15th in the Bob Julian Roundhouse for this fascinating program.  In 1942, the United States suffered one if its worst defeats of WWII, not in Europe or the Pacific, but along the nation\'s eastern seaboard. For this lecture, Kevin Duffus has compiled a stunning collection of eyewitness stories of merchant sailors, Coast Guard recruits, and coastal residents who survived the events. He discusses the facts behind decades-old urban legends of German spies, sympathizers, and saboteurs. His story is one of faith, courage, and determination as well as infamy, irony, and innocence.

The N.C. Transportation Museum again hosts Kevin Duffus this Saturday.  Duffus presents, War Zone: World War II Off North Carolina's Outer Banks.  Join us at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 15th in the Bob Julian Roundhouse for this fascinating program.  In 1942, the United States suffered one if its worst defeats of WWII, not in Europe or the Pacific, but along the nation's eastern seaboard. For this lecture, Kevin Duffus has compiled a stunning collection of eyewitness stories of merchant sailors, Coast Guard recruits, and coastal residents who survived the events. He discusses the facts behind decades-old urban legends of German spies, sympathizers, and saboteurs. His story is one of faith, courage, and determination as well as infamy, irony, and innocence.

The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer has a great deal for parents.  Before the kids head back to school, take time for one more day at the N.C. Transportation Museum.  Saturday, August 16th, kids will ride the train FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.  It is our way of saying thanks for a great summer!

The North Carolina Transportation Museum is honoring 100 years of the Model T Ford at this year's Model T Centennial and All Ford Show.  Our goal is to have 100 Model T's on site, but all Ford's are welcome.  Ford Motor Company Executives, a hot air ballon, kid's activities, and a Model T Tribune T-bone Steak Dinner are all included.  Check this link for more information:  http://www.nctrans.org/events/auto_show.php.

Movies At Spencer Shops is this year's Summer Camp theme at the North Carolina Transportation Museum, July 22-26.  Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders can become a 1920's movie producer!   Camp attendees will design their own 10-15 minute black and white silent film--including the sets, costumes, and script.  The final day of camp is movie premier day, with parents invited, and the presentation of the Transportation Museum Academy Award for Best Short Film.  For more information, call 704-636-2889, ext 232, or toll free at 877-NCTM-FUN.  You can also e-mail nctrans@nctrans.org. 

The museum is offering "spring fever" train rides in addition to our regular weekend train rides March 18-20 and March 25-28, so if the kids are off school, bring them out for a ride! Rides will be at 11 a.m. and 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Rail operations returned to a full weekend schedule on March 1, with Saturday rides at 11 a.m. and 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Sunday rides at 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 p.m. Daily train rides will return on Memorial Day.

Visit the NCTM Sat., March 1 and ride the train free if you live in Rowan County. Just bring proof of residence. Also March 1, Author David Stallman will present  "Women in the Wild Blue: Target-Towing WASP at Camp Davis." Stallman tells the little-known story of the heroic young female pilots who served during World War II.

WASP at Camp Davis in North Carolina performed the dangerous job of towing targets for anti-aircraft gunners. WASP also ferried new aircraft from factories to airbases. These brave women did not receive recognition as veterans until more than 30 years after the war's end.

Helen Snapp, a WASP who served in the war, will accompany Stallman for his presentation. This program is free, but seating is limited, so an RSVP is requested. Please call Brian Moffitt at 704-636-2889, ext. 257 or email brian.moffitt@ncmail.net.

At 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15 a 1969 GMC bus, once operated by the Safe Bus Company, will be on display at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Join us for an event celebrating this historic African American-owned bus company.

Advance tickets for the Easter Bunny Express will go on sale Friday, Feb. 1 at 9 a.m. Tickets are $7 for non-members age 3 and older, Fireman Level Members and Jr. Engineer Members are $5 each, Conductor Level Members are $3.50 each, Engineer Level Members are free. Childen younger than 3 who will not occupy a seat are free.

Visit the Easter Bunny Express web page for more information. http://www.nctrans.org/events/easter_express.php

Meet Santa Claus as he trades in his sleigh for a locomotive! Take a 25-minute train ride with Santa and his elves, as Santa hands out oranges

and candy canes, a Southern Railway tradition. Children will hear classic Christmas tales and have fun making holiday ornaments in the Roundhouse. Advance tickets available online.

Learn More: http://www.nctrans.org/events/santa_train.php

Take a spooky night train ride to the Haunted Roundhouse to meet the ghosts of Southern Railway...if you dare!

Train rides at 6:45, 7:30 and 8:15 p.m. Haunted Roundhouse Tours offered every 15 minutes from 7-9 p.m. $8 for everyone age 3 and older. Tours recommended for ages 8 and older. See you tonight!

All aboard for a rare daylight train trip through the Piedmont and rolling hills of the Carolinas and Western part of Central Virginia, as we travel to beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia. Day-trip excursions are offered on Saturday and Sunday, November 3 and 4. First class tickets are selling out very quickly, but coach seats are still available.

Click on the excursion link on the home page or visit http://www.nctrans.org/events/excursion.php for more information.

To order tickets by phone, call Vickie Peacock at 704-636-2889 ext. 232.

If you are headed South on I-85 on your way to the N.C. Transportation Museum, and you come to construction traffic, here are a few alternative routes:

Take Exit 86, the Bill's Truck Stop/Bellmont Exit

Take a RIGHT at the top of the ramp

Travel for about 1/2 mile and take a LEFT onto Old Salisbury Rd.

Follow Old Salisbury Rd. until you come to the Yadkin River Bridge.

Take a RIGHT onto the bridge.

Follow that road through one stop light. The Museum will be at the bottom of the hill on the LEFT.



Take Exit 85, Clark Road.

Take a RIGHT at the stop sign

Take a LEFT on Old Salisbury Rd.

Travel for about 1 1/2 miles until you come to a stop sign for Hwy 150

Veer to the LEFT to STAY ON Old Salisbury Rd (a windy, bumpy road), and CROSS OVER Hwy. 150

Do Not get on to Hwy. 150, or you will get stuck in the construction traffic.

Follow Old Salisbury Rd. until you come to the Yadkin River Bridge.

Take a RIGHT onto the bridge.

Follow that road through one stop light. The Museum will be at the bottom of the hill on the LEFT.



Take Exit 82, a LEFT EXIT for Spencer

Follow that road through one stop light. The Museum will be at the bottom of the hill on the LEFT.

Take Exit 81

Go West and follow the road until it intersects US29/70

Turn Left onto US29/70 and travel through one stop light.  The Museum will be at the bottom of the hill on the LEFT.



If you have any problems, call 704-636-2889.

Bob the Builder will perform four (4) times each day at 10 a.m., Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. during the Day Out With Thomas Event. Shows. Please call with any questions, 704-636-2889.

ATTENTION MEMBERS! Come to the museum on Saturday, August 11 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for a day full of activities just for members, including behind the scenes tours, diesel cab rides, children's activities, and an ice cream social for Junior Engineers. The Piedmonster flight simulator will also fly for members on this day.

To RSVP for Membership Day , send an email to Misty Ebel, Membership Director, at membership@nctrans.org

To sign up for a membership with the N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation, visit http://nctrans.org/forms/membership/membership_signup_1.php

There's been a crime and it' sup to YOU to solve it! The first-annual Mystery at Spencer Shops Summer Day Camp, sponsored by the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, will take place July 26, 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Rising 6th, 7th and 8th graders can uncover evidence, reconstruct a crime scene, interview suspects and present a case in front of a panel of judges. A mock trial, awards ceremony and dinner will take place on the last day and parents are invited.

Registration will be open until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 26. Campers must attend all three days to solve the crime.

Day camp fees are $35 for museum foundation members, and $50 for non-members. Click on the summer camp link on the home page for more details and to print an application. Or call 704-636-2889 ext. 232 or email nctrans@nctrans.org for more information.

Experience the golden years of railroading with a day chock full of family fun at the 20th Anniversary Family Rail Days Festival, Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

A Norfolk & Western passenger train, Southern Railway passenger train and Caboose train will operate every 45 minutes, and for one price you can ride all day long! Also enjoy live railroad-inspired music, model train layouts, performances by the Buckingham Lining Bar Gang, a Railroad Post Office car demonstration, whistle blowing contest, and much more!

The 5th annual CASI Chili Cook-off will also take place, and spectators can buy a chili sampler for $3.

Day of Tickets are $12 for non-members, $10 for general NCTM Foundation members, $6 for Conductor NCTM Foundation members, and free for Engineer NCTM Foundation members.

The Lester J. Brown Memorial Antique Truck Show features trucks of all makes and models that are at least 25 years old. Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free for spectators.

Come early to attend the Antique Wireless Show from 8 a.m. - Noon. The event is a swap meet where folks bring antique & vintage radios to buy, sell and trade. The event if free and open to the public.

Learn to fly at the N.C. Transportation Museum on Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the "Piedmonster"  -- a restored GAT 1 flight simulator from the 1950s. Kids can climb inside the Piedmonster, receive lessons on proper flight techniques from former Piedmont Airlines pilots and crew members, and then try their hand at operating the simluator.

Kids and families can explore helicopters and airplanes, and experience a Black Hawk helicopter landing on the museum grounds. Everything is FREE! So come out and enjoy.  

Have you checked out the museum's Day Out With Thomas page lately? Well, tickets are on sale now! And did you see who will be joining Thomas the Tank in the fun? It's Bob the Builder!

The NCTM will be the ONLY location on the East coast to have Thomas the Tank and Bob the Builder together at one event. You can take a 25-minute train ride with Thomas, and see Bob in a live, Can-Do Crew stage show. Tickets are $18 for everyone age 2 and older. Advance purchase is strongly recommended, and you can reserve your seat by clicking on the Day Out With Thomas link on our home page. You can also purchase your ticket in person at the museum, or by calling 866-468-7630.

Additional activites at the event include a chance to meet Sir Topham Hatt and Bob the Builder, a magician, live music, inflatable bounce castles, Thomas play tables, model trains, storytelling and video viewing, temporary tattoos, sidewalk chalk, and MUCH MUCH MORE.

For more information, call the museum at 704-636-2889.

On Saturday, April 21 come out for the first-annual Volunteer Open House. Learn about becoming an engineer, driving antique automobiles, and helping with children's programming. Whatever your interest or special skill, we need you! Tours, expos and discussions led by current NCTM volunteers. Benefits given out just for signing up! 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

On Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., the first-ever Antique Tractor Show will take place at the museum. Kids can compete in the Kiddie Tractor Pull for prizes.

Later that night, from 4 - 9 p.m., the museum's Relay for Life team, together with Cruzin' Round Spencer, will host "Cruzin' For A Cure." Come out to support a cure for cancer! Train rides will run at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at a discounted rate and the band Stil Standin' will perform all night. There will be car talk, great food, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and more! Proceeds will go toward the Rowan County Relay for Life, part of the American Cancer Society.

The N.C. Transportation Museum will be closed to visitors on Monday, April 9 and Tuesday, April 10 due to work on site.

The museum will re-open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11 with train rides offered at 11 a.m.; 1, 2, and 3 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.

On Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., the first-ever Antique Tractor Show will take place at the museum. Kids can compete in the Kiddie Tractor Pull for prizes. Later that night, from 4 - 9 p.m., the museum's Relay for Life team, together with Cruzin' Round Spencer, will host "Cruzin' For A Cure." Come out to support a cure for cancer! Train rides will run at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. at a discounted rate and the band Stil Standin' will perform all night. There will be car talk, great food, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and more! Proceeds will go toward the Rowan County Relay for Life, part of the American Cancer Society.

For more information, call 704-636-2889 or check out the Events section of the web site.

Take a 25-minute train ride with the Easter Bunny as he walks through the train and passes out treats. Bring your camera to get a picture with the famous rabbit.

Train rides offered at 10 and 11 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m. on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7. Tickets are $7 for ages 3 and older, and will be sold on the day of the event.

The Easter Bunny Express WILL NOT run on Sunday, April 8. However, the regular museum train ride will operate at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Advance online ticket sales for this weekend's Easter Bunny Express - March 31 and April 1 have ended. Tickets WILL be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.

Advance online tickets can still be purchased for the April 6 and 7 Easter Bunny Express until Thursday afternoon, April 5. For more information, call 704-636-2889 or visit the Easter Bunny Express web page, located under the Events section of the web site.

Have a great day!

The museum's Web site has a new feature - now you can buy your Easter Bunny Express tickets in advance online! Click on the Easter Bunny link on the left side of the home page, or check out the Events section for more details. Select your date of visit, train ride time, and number of tickets desired, then check out through the secure, online check-out service - Authorize.net. A limited number of advance tickets will be sold for each train ride. Tickets will also be available on the date of the event. TIckets are $7 for ages 3 and older. Members are free. Members should call Misty Ebel, membership director, to reserve member tickets at 704-636-2889 ext. 228.

The famous rabbit will hop on the Easter Bunny Express on March 31 - April 1 and April 6 - 7. Don't miss the FREE Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. on March 31. Train ride times are 10 and 11 a.m.; 1, 2, and 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays, and 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 on Sunday, April 1. The Easter Bunny Express will not run on Easter Sunday, April 8.

For more information on ticket purchases, call 704-636-2889 ext. 232.

On Saturday, March 3, all Rowan County residents can ride the museum's 25-minute on-site train ride for FREE all day long! Just present proof of residency, such as a drivers license, when purchasing your train ticket to receive the discount.

Beginning in March, train rides are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1, 2, and 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m. Train rides are normally $6 for adults, $5 for children 3-12 and senior 60+, free for children under 3 and members.

The N.C. Transportation Museum is proud to be a part of the Rowan County community, and we hope our neighbors will come out on March 3 and enjoy!

For more information, call 704-636-2889.

Due to inclement weather, the N.C. Transportation Museum will be closed on Thursday, February 1. We plan to re-open on Friday, February 2. Please check our web site for the latest news and updates.