Brooksville Historical Train Depot

04/04/2026

03/28/2026

We look forward to welcoming you back next week! 🚂

If you love history, trains, or just want to meet new people, sign up to be a volunteer with us today by clicking the link below!

Full TRAINing provided (pun intended)

https://form.jotform.com/240936243159055

03/04/2026

🚲

01/25/2026

People in 1855 relied heavily on these lanterns to provide light in a dark place. However, they were pretty dim, as they used whale oil, camphene, or lard, and needed frequent maintenance such as wick trimming and refilling oil.

This particular type of oil lamp is made of a clear glass, and a sturdy metal frame. Inside the trains, they were hung from the ceiling to provide lighting to passengers and locomotive crews. Did you know that Oil Lamps were invented as early as 70,000 to 15,000 BC? Aimé Argand created the first successful oil lamp in the 1780's. It was made with a circular wick and glass chimney for a more brighter and steadier flame.

Early Kerosene was invented somewhere between the 1840s-1850s. Abraham Gesner and Ignacy Łukasiewicz developed kerosene together using coal and petroleum. Kerosene became high in demand, as it burned even brighter and longer than its predecessors. In 1855, Oil Lamps were made of different colors in order for the Signalmen at the Train Station to send coded messages to the Conductor, Citizens, Engineers, Breakman, and Locomotive staff. He would perform different motions eith the lamp in order to send a message. E.g., a blue oil lamp was used to tell everyone that there is maintenance being done and to protect personnel.

🚂 Come join us on a tour to learn about the differnt colored lanterns and what they meant!

01/18/2026

These beautifully crafted leather carrier bags were used as weekend luggage and for brief trips. They may also be referred to as, a "suitcase", "briefcase", or "duffel bag". When traveling by train, luggage would need to be well-crafted and made durable for transportation. They were tossed around by the porters and stored in baggage cars and under bunks. It was not common to have luggage in passenger compartments, so these small carrier bags came in handy. Some folks would treat their leather with tree sap to act as a waterproof barrier. These bags were not easily crushed, and could protect against moisture. This type of bag was originally invented in the mid 17th century.

Have you spotted one on a tour with us or used one yourself?

12/03/2025

🎄

Get ready for a December to remember! We're so excited to get festive this month. Come visit for a day tour during open hours to see some beautiful Christmas decor. 🎄

Check out the Night of Lights event at the Historic May-Stringer House Museum on 12/12 from 6p-9p: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gctw4U1E6/

Keep an eye out for some Victorian pedestrians during the 4th Annual S. Brooksville Ave. Stroll! The Brooksville Historical Train Depot & Countryman Family One-Room Schoolhouse Museum will have special open house hours during this event! https://www.facebook.com/share/14SB21X3pFi/

We can't wait to celebrate with you, Brooksville!
For hours of operation and other information, please visit our website at https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

11/14/2025

We are looking for train enthusiasts, history lovers, and people who want to make new friends! Come join us at the Brooksville Train Depot by becoming a volunteer today. We would LOVE someone to help us with the model trains, so if you have experience with model trains- this position is calling YOU!

We will fully provide training for this volunteer position 🚂! Join us today by filling out the link: https://form.jotform.com/253144665729162

09/16/2025

We are looking for some eager train enthusiasts, tour guides, and friendly faces to join our volunteer team at the depot! We will TRAIN you 🚂 (🥁 ba-dum-tss ) Apply at the link: https://form.jotform.com/240936243159055

Want to learn more about historic Brooksville? Are you looking to get involved with your community? Come volunteer with us!

See our website for hours of operation: https://www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

Want to join our volunteer team? Apply now here: https://form.jotform.com/240936243159055