NORFOLK SOUTHERN CHALLENGE

In 2007, an independent museum consulting group noted that while the Museum has a world-class collection, our interpretation focuses more on our equipment than on people's experiences, and that our building has significant deficiencies that impact the visitor experience.

C. W. Moorman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, agreed, and subsequently offered the Virginia Museum of Transportation a $1 million Challenge Match toward improved infrastructure and the development of new exhibits to really tell Roanoke’s story of outstanding achievement in the glory days of steam.

The Museum is now in the midst of a two-year planning process to prepare for the challenge of our upcoming capital campaign. The Museum has never had an opportunity like this before, and we are determined to make the most of it. Our lead project consultant is William L. Withuhn, Curator Emeritus in the Division of Work and Industry at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. He is widely considered to be the nation’s leading transportation exhibits producer and is very familiar with the Museum: its strengths, weaknesses, audiences, and great potential.

We seek to learn what the community would like to see changed at the Museum, and identify ways in which we can better serve Virginia. To improve our exhibits and programs, the Museum seeks public input at these upcoming sessions:

  • February 16: special session for members, donors, and volunteers
  • February 18: focus on the role of the railroads in Virginia's history and in its cultural and economic development
  • February 23: focus on non-rail modes of transportation
  • March 2: focus on the Museum's contribution to the community, including tourism and education

Each session will be held in the Museum’s Conference Room, 7-9pm. RSVP: info@vmt.org. Those unable to attend are encouraged to complete a brief survey online.

Also in 2010, we will begin to seek out new content: stories of the people who worked in transportation, particularly rail, who at some time embarked on a life-altering journey or who welcomed a loved one home, or who experienced the world through the availability of goods that commerce made possible. These stories will form the basis for new exhibits, enabling the community to guide the Museum’s growth and development and to forge personal connections to the past that will be preserved and presented here.

Through this Challenge opportunity, the Museum aims to grow our annual attendance--both local and non-local--provide enjoyable family experiences, support educators in making our history come alive, and restore a sense of pride in every Roanoke area resident--from train-loving toddlers, to retirees with fond memories of the days of steam, and everyone in between.