A museum in motion - travel back in time on an authentic, restored antique trolley car on a trolley line that has been in service since 1900
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Take a journey back in time and visit The Shore Line Trolley Museum.
The museum operates a fine collection of restored trolleys on 1.5 miles of track, once connecting the city of New Haven with the Connecticut shoreline. For over 100 years, trolley cars traversed this private right-of-way from East Haven, through the woods and marshland of Beacon Hill to Short Beach.
From the quiet hum of the electric motors to the gentle sway of the trolley, visitors are transported to a much simpler time. Removed from modern-day distractions and traffic jams, the scene seems nearly unchanged by the passage of a century. Now a National Historic District, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past giving critical insight as to how this early electric, clean mode of transportation helped in the creation of suburban life, integrated neighborhoods and allowed local businesses to thrive. The railway is the oldest continuously operating suburban trolley line in the United States.
The museum offers guided and self-guided educational tours for individuals, families, and larger groups. The Museum, operated by the Branford Electric Railway Association, is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Tour guides and trolley operators consist of trained, knowledgeable, and dedicated volunteers.
The museum also welcomes specialized groups, photographers, historians and is a great venue for parties, corporate events, and even has a Justice of the Peace on-site for small weddings. Individual and family memberships are available as well as corporate sponsorships.
Tour time: approximately 1 hour
Other amenities: Dining Nearby, Parking, Self-guided tours, Special Packages
Pricing: Adults $12, seniors (62+) $10, children (2-18) $8, children (under 2) free. Special events are priced differently
Other Amenities: Open After COVID, Bus Parking, Gift Shop, Groups Welcome, Guided Group Tours, Indoor Activity, Meeting/Event Facilities, Special Rentals
Dates of Operation: April, May, June, September - December - open for special events July - August - regular operations Year Round - private functions **See our website for days and hours of operation**
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