Train Time

 All aboard for Children’s Museum of NH’s celebration of trains on Sunday, June 12

Dover, NH (May 26, 2011) – The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire has created a special opportunity for young train enthusiasts that will include activities at the museum as well at the Dover Rail Yard.  The museum’s first-ever Train Time event will take place on Sunday, June 12 from noon – 2 pm and all activities will be included in the museum’s regular admission price ($8 adults & children, $7 seniors, children under 12 months old free).

“We have known for years that kids are fascinated with trains, as evidenced by the enduring interest in our wooden train set at the museum,” said Paula Rais, Outreach Coordinator for the Children’s Museum. “What began as a simple idea to create a event focused on trains has turned into something much bigger where children will not only learn a great deal about trains and safety, but also climb aboard a real locomotive and meet railroad personnel. We are grateful to Pan Am Railways, Amtrak Doweaster and Operation Lifesaver for their enthusiastic partnership in planning this event.”
 
At the Train Time event, children will issued special tickets as they enter and a uniformed train conductor from the Amtrak Downeaster will be on hand to talk with families, answer questions and punch each child’s ticket. Children will also receive free train activity books, pencils, engineer hats and more.

In the museum’s Project Area, children can create their own colorful train mosaic to take home. In another part of the museum, representatives of Operation Lifesaver will be on hand to educate families about rail safety. Operation Llfesaver is a national organization whose mission is to end collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on rail property through a network of volunteers in all 50 states. The group supports state safety programs by developing videos, educational brochures and other materials for audiences of all ages.
 The off-site part of the Train Time event takes place at the Dover Railyard at 75 Oak Street, just a short drive from the museum. As they leave the museum, families will receive maps with driving directions to the railyard, where they will be able to tour an authentic Pan Am freight locomotive engine. Volunteers from Pan Am Railways train police will be conducting train tours, punching tickets and answering questions at the railyard.

All of the Train Time activities will be offered earlier in the day for families participating in Exploring Our Way, the Children’s Museum of NH’s Autism Partnership Program.