Railroad Museum planning fundraisers after Covid curtailed operations

Easter egg hunt will be at museum on Saturday

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Grace Stewart, assistant to the director of the Medina Railroad Museum, holds a T-shirt paying tribute to the museum’s founder Marty Phelps, which they are selling as a fundraiser. They are also planning a chicken barbecue to bring in some income during the pandemic.

MEDINA – Doing business during a pandemic hasn’t been easy for the Medina Railroad Museum, which has been shut down for most of the past year.

With Covid-19 restrictions being eased, the Medina Railroad Museum is planning several events to bring in some revenue during this difficult time. The museum’s major fundraisers, Polar Express and Day Out with Thomas were both canceled last year, and are still on hold for this year, although staff is hopeful they can hold events this year, even on a smaller scale.

One positive thing is that visitation to the museum has been steady during this time, with masks and social distancing required.

Grace Stewart, assistant to the director Janine Klotzbach, said they are now approved for crowds up to 200 people.

She has announced they are planning an Easter egg hunt on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children and adults must wear a mask. There will be a special prize for the children who find the golden egg. The Easter Bunny will also be on site.

For the first time in its history, the Medina Railroad Museum will have a chicken barbecue, again to raise some much-needed revenue. Chicken barbecues have become almost a weekend staple, as a safe way for organizations to raise money. All are taking place as drive-thru, which means social contact is minimal.

The Railroad Museum’s barbecue will be done by local entrepreneurs Carl Dilcher II and Rose Campbell of Oakfield. It is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. May 16 at the museum. Cars will enter from West Avenue and exit onto Gwinn Street, again, with people not having to get out of their cars. Tickets will be sold until May 1 by visiting or calling the museum at (585) 798-6106. Payment may be made over the phone by credit card.

In addition, the museum is having a raffle for a bucket full of wine and liquor. Information and tickets are also available at the museum.