Author: renee-tnmot

ST. LOUIS, MO — The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $46,650 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Museums for America grant program. This funding will support TNMOT’s Engineering Drawing and Blueprint Digitization Project, a vital preservation initiative focused on safeguarding a remarkable collection of American rail history.

The project will digitize approximately 25,000 original blueprints and engineering drawings produced by prominent railcar manufacturers from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. These irreplaceable documents — many of them hand-drawn on fragile materials such as linen and vellum — offer unparalleled insight into the design and manufacturing processes of historic rail vehicles.

TNMOT serves as the sole lead on this project and is not collaborating with other agencies or organizations. The grant is a dollar-for-dollar match, and the Museum is encouraging public support to help fund this effort. Donations can be made directly at tnmot.org.

“This project is about more than just preservation — it’s about unlocking the stories embedded in these extraordinary documents,” said Terri McEachern, Executive Director of TNMOT. “These blueprints are windows into the golden age of American rail innovation, and digitizing them ensures that future generations — from researchers to rail enthusiasts — will have access to this critical part of our industrial heritage.”

The blueprints and engineering drawings, currently housed in the TNMOT Library and Archives, number close to 50,000 in total. Many were donated over the Museum’s 80-year history by major manufacturers such as American Car and Foundry, Budd Manufacturing, and General Steel — companies that shaped the course of American transportation.

Representatives from the Smithsonian Institution have recognized TNMOT as having “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the country.” This digitization project represents the Museum’s ongoing commitment to excellence in preservation, education, and public access.

The Museum, 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO, is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Kirkwood, MO — October 2025 — The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) proudly honors two major milestones in American military and aviation history—the 250th Anniversary of the United States Navy and the 30th Anniversary of the first flight of the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, the first of its kind and currently on exhibit at the Museum.

To mark this special occasion, TNMOT invites guests to join in the celebration on Saturday, October 12, 2025. Adult visitors can enjoy $17.75 admission, which includes a commemorative -shirt celebrating 250 years of the U.S. Navy, while supplies last. Guests not wishing to receive the t-shirt may pay regular admission prices. Museum members may purchase the commemorative t-shirt for $12.75.

The Museum’s centerpiece for this celebration—the F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, known simply as E1—holds a special place in aviation history.

E1 was the first F/A-18E Super Hornet ever built.

It made its inaugural flight on November 29, 1995, departing from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis, Missouri.

The aircraft arrived at TNMOT in December 2023, with reassembly and dedication completed in 2024.

Boeing volunteers refurbished the aircraft before its display in St. Louis.

The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, loaned E1 to TNMOT for public exhibition.

This dual celebration underscores the Museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and showcasing the nation’s rich transportation and engineering legacy. Recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as having “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the country,” TNMOT continues to inspire visitors with exhibits spanning rail, road, air, and sea.

“We’re honored to celebrate 250 years of the U.S. Navy alongside the remarkable legacy of the F/A-18E1 Super Hornet,” said Terri McEachern, Executive Director of The National Museum of Transportation. “This event highlights both our nation’s enduring spirit of innovation and the pride we take in preserving these incredible pieces of history.”

The National Museum of Transportation, located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives no government funding.

For more information about this event or to plan your visit, please visit www.tnmot.org or call (314) 965-6885.

Travel & Leisure’s issue dated August 24, 2025, named The National Museum of Transportation the 5th top U.S. Train Museum! The magazine noted we have over 190 exhibits, including aircraft, transit busses, a towboat, and automobiles in addition to trains. Go here for the full article.

EVENTS AT THE MUSEUM

Car Shows, Museum Admission Specials, Unique Exhibits, the original F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet, Virgin Hyperloop XP-2 Pegasus Pod gifted from the Smithsonian, Trick-or-Track, Big Trucks, Holiday Happiness, The Major Lee Berra Creation Station–the list goes on and on.

Go here to see our Museum Events page for the full list of activities, special events, etc.

(Note: The Creation Station is first-come, first-served, and the entire party needs to be present to purchase tickets. Also, the Museum is closed Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day)

Below is a link from a social media post regarding TNMOT. In two minutes, this engaging mother covers admission, things to do, etc. It is worth a watch. With children that often fall in love with our Major Lee Berra Creation Station, our locomotives, our mini-train, our special events (like Trick-or-Track at Halloween), etc., her recommendation to invest in a membership with Choo-Choo stamps (which cover the mini-train and Creation Station) is wise.

For those who are from out of town or just have time for a single visit with family/friends, consider checking our website tnmot.org home page header for a link to buying coupon pack tickets online before you visit to save on your adventure.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/4457740024459687 Be sure to unmute the video reel to get the scoop!

Major Lee Berra Creation Station Birthday Party

FYI–The handcars are on hiatus for now.

Check out this video from Pebble Beach 2017. Watch closely and you’ll see The Bobby Darin Dream Car and our very own John Hartmann! TNMOT was invited to bring the Dream Car to the American Dream Cars of the 1960s event at the Pebble Beach Concours d-Elegance.

Aug 24, 2017 – The American Dream Cars of the 1960s starred on this year’s show field and captured the attention of spectators with their unique designs. Several designers of the one-off hand-built beauties were also in attendance to see their creations at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, including Gene Winfield and Herb Adams. Watch to learn more about these innovative vehicles from the designers themselves!