An update on the Museum renovation.

The renovation is complete! The building is once again inhabitable, but we have not been authorized to re-enter until all inspections are finished and signed off.

The station upgrades have been timely, far quicker than what was expected by the cynical treasurer. The improvements are many, both structurally and cosmetic. A new lobby and lavatories for Amtrak patrons, new roofs where needed, new railings and stair cases on the freight deck. The refurbishment of the exterior walls, the foundation support columns and the floor structure.

The museum interior has been upgraded with new air conditioning ducting, new electrical, new doors and the refinishing of just about every interior surface. Once again we want to reiterate how fortunate we are to have the open relationship with the City of Deerfield Beach and FDOT.

Re-construction has brought us to current building standards and codes, and extended the life of the museum. The look of the museum is more than what was expected and although you may not recognize it when seeing it again, there have been significant changes.

Once we receive authorization to move in we will begin the task of organizing and placing our artifacts and layouts in a display friendly scheme. To do this will take time (we are only volunteers) and we ask the public to be patient with our process and progress. Therefore, our re-opening will be scheduled simultaneously with our Spring Swap Meet. During our closure, the Swap Meet has been held at the Deerfield Beach, Westside Park and that is where it will remain. Our vendors are happy with the air conditioned, non windy, non rainy and somewhat quiet atmosphere, so we will continue to hold the Swap Meets offsite and at the park. Please scroll through the pictures of the Station Renovation and you will see the progress as we saw it.

We hope to see you again at our re-opening in 2011!

Have a wonderful holiday
and a "HAPPY NEW YEAR"

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Welcome! Our challenge is to provide the public with the history of railroading and how it affected the population growth and industry boom from the 1940's to the 1960's in the South Florida area. We are planning to teach through the use of railroad artifacts and through the design and the building of a model railroad display depicting the area during that time frame.

The organization has been in existence since we moved into the station ten years ago. For some years after the inception we plodded along without direction or purpose and without the realization of what could be accomplished. The last few years have been a turnaround period for us and under new leadership we are on our way to realizing the potential of the organization. The emphasis has changed from the organization being used as a personal stepping-stone to understanding the definitions of “Teamwork”, “Unity” and “Organization”. Partnered with the Deerfield Beach Historical Society and with their members on our board of directors the direction of the museum is much more focused.

Our desire is to chronicle the history of South Florida as related to the Railroads that brought commerce and development to the area and to educate the general population. We are also qualified to instruct the "Operation Lifesaver" program, to make our rail crossing safer.

Located in the historic former Seaboard Air Line station building in Deerfield Beach, it is our goal to preserve the history of railroads in southern Florida, and educate the public about the importance of railroads in the region past and present. There is also an active model railroad contingent within the organization, with a 16'x18' HO layout in operation, a 4'x30' permanent HOn3 layout display under construction, and a 4'x20' N scale layout. Our collection of historic artifacts is constantly growing, and donations are always welcome.

We are active in other areas as well, including presenting auctions and swap meets of model railroad equipment and railroadiana, and assisting in the sale of collections and estates.

Our Membership Requirements (membership page link) of the museum are minimal; you need not have any desire to participate in the construction or any other facet of the Museum, but you can always feel free to participate in what ever manner suits your needs.

The museum holds membership with the Deerfield Beach Historical Society, National Model Railroad Association and the ACL/SCL Historical Society.