Historic RailPark launches $85,000 campaign for technology upgrades

Historic RailPark launches $85,000 campaign for technology upgrades

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — Visitors to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum may soon hear train whistles, music from the 1940s and 1950s and the voices of railroad workers as they explore the Bowling Green attraction.

The RailPark launched its “Steel Rails & Silver Screens” campaign Tuesday with a goal of raising $85,000 for new audio-visual equipment in the museum, rail cars and event spaces.

Jessica Warren, the RailPark’s development director, said the project will improve the experience for visitors and people who rent the facility for meetings and events.

Plans include replacing televisions in the locomotive, museum theater and several rail cars. Speakers will be installed inside and outside the cars, and the theater will receive updated audio equipment.

The grand lobby and meeting room will also receive improvements, including sound panels and a new sound system.

“One huge thing is that we’re putting a speaker system outside of the cars trackside,” Warren said. “What we’re planning to do is have ’40s and ’50s music playing that will enhance the experience when visitors come to check out the park.”

RailPark leaders want visitors to hear the stories of Louisville and Nashville Railroad engineers, conductors, cooks and other workers while learning about their roles.

Warren said the additional sound will help bring the property to life as visitors walk beside the tracks or tour the rail cars. Some of the museum’s equipment has been in place since the facility opened in 2007.

Visitors will likely notice the first changes in the museum theater. A larger screen and new speaker system have already been installed. The RailPark also plans to add an iPad that will allow visitors to select content for the screen.

The campaign began with a $25,000 donation from a museum committee member and his wife. That contribution accounts for nearly 30% of the fundraising goal.

Warren said she hopes the campaign will be fully funded by the end of 2026.

Donations can be made through the RailPark’s website or in person during museum hours. The museum is open seven days a week.

People can also support the nonprofit by becoming members, attending events, taking tours or renting the trolley, rail cars, lobby or meeting spaces.

“We can’t survive without people’s support,” Warren said. “It is very important to maintain this gorgeous building that turned 100 years old last year.”

The campaign will also tie into the RailPark Rendezvous event in October. This year’s “Singing on the Rails” theme will draw inspiration from Old Hollywood and complement the “Steel Rails & Silver Screens” project.