Member Highlight: Colorado Railroad Museum
Tell us about you:
The Colorado Railroad Museum, located in Golden, first opened to the public in 1959. The Museum shares the important stories of rail transportation and communication that have connected Coloradans and helped transform our state since 1871. In the 65 years since its opening, the Museum has grown to become a Top 10 VISIT DENVER attraction, and one of America’s top 10 railroad museums.
Share a story of how your organization engages with the business sector (i.e. sponsorship, volunteerism, etc.).
The Colorado Railroad Museum just adopted a bold Strategic Plan that aims to transform its programs and facilities and outreach over the next 10 years. We’re currently working with architects, development specialists, financial experts and planners (among others) to bring this plan to reality. This kind of effort truly takes a village!
How has this engagement with business benefitted you and your organization?
The Museum has a long history of engaging with businesses, both locally/regionally and on a national scale. Through this engagement, the Museum has built up its largest and most popular special events, Day Out With Thomas and The Polar Express Train Ride. In addition to the ongoing efforts and skills provided by a small paid staff and some 300 dedicated volunteers, we regularly depend on expertise from businesses to help keep our grounds and our operating trains in tip-top shape. Teamwork makes all of these needs come together!
How is your organization supporting the creative economy?
The Colorado Railroad Museum is proud to offer a wide array of programs throughout the year, including live entertainment and stage shows, and of course, the magical live theater experience of The Polar Express Train Ride event each fall. (CBCA members and their employees were treated to the final dress rehearsal of 2023’s production last year for the November ArtsConnect!). This involves actors and cast members, technical support members, costumers and directors and choreographers. We also continue to improve our facilities and shows annually, employing the services of designers, fabricators and installers for sets, lighting, video and other installations and effects. In addition, we host mission-related exhibits throughout each year, in partnership with national organizations in our field.
Why are you involved with CBCA?
CBCA allows us to connect with interested people and businesses throughout Colorado and the Front Range who share our passion and interests. We have recruited board members from CBCA’s Leadership Arts program, and hosted ArtsConnect events to showcase our facilities and programs and shows. We really appreciate all that CBCA does!
If you would like more information about becoming a CBCA member, visit the CBCA Membership page or contact our Membership & Development Manager, Sarah Braverman at sbraverman@cbca.org.
