The Miami Railway Station Museum will celebrate its 135th birthday with festivities from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 18. Come one, come all to Miami for the annual Music and BBQ Night sponsored by Valley Fiber, as they mark the 135th anniversary of the railway station’s construction.
Built-in 1889 by the Manitoba and Northern Pacific Railway, the Station has been meticulously preserved to reflect the life and times of a prairie station agent, his family, and their community. As a National Historic and Municipal Heritage site, the museum stands out as the only Station of its architectural type still in its original location in Canada.
Several significant additions have been made to the museum in recent years, enhancing its historical authenticity and visitor experience. Among these are:
– A restored 1914 wooden caboose.
– A train shed constructed according to 1920’s plans.
– 280 feet of rail.
– A platform surrounding the building’s exterior.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore various rail displays, a photo gallery, a model railway, and exhibits depicting the lifestyle of station agents and their families.
The latest and most intriguing addition to the museum is the Fallout Reporting Post. This unique exhibit replaces the original post buried west of the Station during the Cold War era in the 1960s. The station agent would have used this post to monitor radiation levels in the event of a nuclear blast.
It will offer a rare glimpse into the fears and responses of that tumultuous time, making it the only example of this style and type of post in Canada open to the public. Event attendees will be able to see the progress made in preparing the Fallout Reporting Post for its future grand opening.
To mark this historic milestone, the museum will host a celebration featuring a BBQ, with all funds raised going towards the museum, live music, games, and presentations. A local musician, Joey McNair, will grace the museum stage and perform throughout the event.
This celebration is a tribute to the historical significance of the Miami Railway Station and a heartfelt acknowledgment of the dedicated volunteers and employees who work tirelessly to maintain and improve the visitor experience. Their efforts ensure that the museum continues to educate and inspire visitors from near and far.
Event Highlights:
– BBQ: Enjoy a delicious barbecue with family and friends. All funds raised will go towards museum projects.
– Live Music: Performances by a talented local musician, Joey McNair.
– Games: Fun activities for all ages.
– Presentations: Informative short talks about the Station’s past and preservation efforts.
“Join us in celebrating 135 years of history and heritage at the Miami Railway Station Museum,” said Miami Railway Station Museum board chair Joan Driedger. “This event promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating world of a prairie railway station.”
For more information, please visit the Miami Railway Station Museum website or contact the museum at mrrmuseum@gmail.com.
