Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum

05/19/2026

The Canadian Pacific engine came through earlier, a bit rough in appearance but still makes a lovely contrast in color behind the NS lead.

05/18/2026

Thanks to N&W Historical Society historian Ken Miller for a very nice program today for our "Lessons & Legacies" series. He shared some very interesting photographs from the N&W photographers and the history behind them. Thanks also to our engaged audience, we appreciate their interest and attention today.

05/15/2026

Please join us on Sunday!

05/01/2026

We barely caught the Lackawanna engine rolling through town earlier this afternoon.

05/01/2026

04/26/2026

With Summer break from school just around the corner, we are now accepting reservations for our Tuesday Time Travelers Transportation Days from 9am-11am every other Tuesday throughout the Summer. Each Tuesday we will share some hands-on history as kids learn about theme of transportation throughout history in Southwest Virginia. Students can register for all the Tuesdays or just specific ones, but we do ask you give us at least 2 weeks' notice of which dates you would like to attend so that we can have the correct number of supplies. We look forwards to meeting some Time Travelers and sharing some history.

04/19/2026

Thanks Dr. Lee Anthony for a nice talk today on the 80th Division during WWI. Our next "Lessons & Legacies" talk will be Sunday May 17th at 3pm by N&W historian Ken Miller on the N&W photographers and their work.

04/18/2026

04/14/2026

This morning we hosted 60 2nd graders from Critzer Elementary. The kids really seemed to enjoy the museum and were so well behaved and engaged. We hope many of them will encourage their parents to bring them back to learn more. And of course, we welcome other schools to reach out and schedule their own fieldtrips.

04/12/2026

Thanks Grace for a nice presentation today on VA 76 bike route. Our next "Lessons & Legacies" talk is next Sunday at 3pm featuring Dr. Lee Anthony as he shares history on Pulaski's WWI soldiers of the 80th Division.
The poster display on Bike 76 created by Grace will remain up throughout 2026 at our museum, please stop by and see it.

01/16/2026

We love trains and we love those who likewise share the joy of them. Recently we received a fantastic photo taken from a private property crossing in the Mount Olivet Community of the Southern Railway 4501 Engine pulling the Radford Rambler Excursion back in 2015. Delissa King captured this great shot and happily shared it with us, so I asked it we could post it with her blessing. We are very thankful for the photo. The Southern 4501 was built in 1911 and has a very rich history including time on the rails and on the big screen in movies such as "October Sky". I believe the engine is still part of the collection at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.