All aboard the Hippity-Hop Trolley!

Celebrate the return of spring with a special family Sunday at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Visit with a big Bunny on your street car ride, take a photo, then enjoy special family activities in the museum including crafts and a scavenger hunt.

Reservations are REQUIRED for this event!

All aboard the Hippity-Hop Trolley!

Celebrate the return of spring with a special family weekend at the National Capital Trolley Museum. Visit with a big Bunny on your street car ride, take a photo, then enjoy special family activities in the museum including crafts and a scavenger hunt.

Reservations are REQUIRED for this event!

In 1854, 101 years before Rosa Parks’ protest in Montgomery, Alabama, school teacher Elizabeth Jennings was forcibly ejected from a Third Avenue Railway Co. horse-drawn street car in New York City because she was Black. Following this experience, she decided to fight racial discrimination on public transit in court and won, which led to the permanent desegregation of Third Ave. Rail Co.’s street car service. Find out more about Elizabeth and other amazing trailblazing women in transit history at this month’s All Aboard! with crafts and objects from NCTM’s collection!

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month, join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

Join us in the museum auditorium for a pre-recorded showing of a discussion led by Eric Madison on the origins of segregation on streetcars beginning in the 19th century and the attempts made nationwide to challenge both the custom and later the codification of "separate but equal" practices.

This program is included with regular museum admission. Showing begins at 1pm, so please plan your visit accordingly.

About Eric Madison

Since 1998, Mr. Madison has been a volunteer streetcar operator with the National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville, MD since 1998 and serves in multiple roles which includes being a member of the Board of Trustees, Museum's Safety Officer and Superintendent of Railway Operations, and Museum Secretary. In addition to his volunteer work with the museum, Mr. Madison has an extensive career in transit, with a focus on rail transit safety and oversight of heavy rail, light rail and streetcar systems. Over the course of his transit career he has worked for the D.C. Department of Transportation's Office of Mass Transit, where he conducted planning for the D.C. Streetcar and served as a State Safety Oversight Program Manager for safety oversight of the Washington Metrorail system. He then served as a Team Lead with the Department of Defense to coordinate shuttle, transit, and commuter bus operations for the Pentagon and Mark Center in Virginia. Following the Department of Defense, he worked as a Program Manager for the FTA's Office of Transit Safety and Oversight to provide program and technical support to 14 State Safety Oversight programs around the country. Currently, he serves as a Senior Consultant with Dovetail Consulting as a safety and security expert on State Safety Oversight Agency projects and for rail transit agency clients.

Did you know street cars delivered more than people? Find out more about how street car service and other forms of transit historically — and currently — provide transport for all our letters and packages! Then make a street car Valentine to take home and send to a special person in your life!

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month, join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

Celebrate 100 years (1862-1962) of street car history in the DC area with special street car rides, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to explore objects from the archive.

For 100 years, street cars represented the most widely used public transit in the DC area. Street cars moved millions of people, connected communities, were the backdrop for social justice movements, and built a lasting legacy in the public transit we have today. Celebrate with the National Capital Trolley Museum on January 27th from 12-5pm, and enjoy family-friendly and railfan activities related the 100 years of streetcar service in the Nation’s Capital!

Join us for:

• A line-up of our Washington, D.C. streetcar collection, with chances to see select streetcars in operation — including CTCo 522 and CTCo 09, celebrating their 126th and 125th birthdays this year!

• A special first look at the progress on CTCo 27, currently undergoing restoration!

• Family activities including up-close interactions with objects from our archival collection.

• Lots of photo opportunities throughout the day!

• And more!

(Please note: As always, the operation of our streetcar collection is dependent on weather conditions)

Put on your engineering caps and get ready to solve one of the trickiest problems for DC street car workers — snow! Check out our own 125-year-old snowsweeper #09 in Street Car Hall. Then visit the activity room to construct your own snow-moving solutions successfully plow the "snow" away!

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month, join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

The National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest will be held this year December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4:30pm.

Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive at my assigned time slot?
Check in at the registration desk to receive your ride tickets. Your ride will start 15-20 minutes after your assigned time slot; please plan to arrive on time! After check-in, enjoy the exhibits and activities until your trolley boards.

What happens if I miss my assigned time slot on the day of my reservation?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your reserved time you may not be able to ride at your assigned time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate your party on the next available trolley. In that case, please make yourself known to our staff; they will advise you when you can take your ride.

My plans changed; is my reservation valid any other day?
Your reservation is valid for a specific day and time. Contact the museum to inquire about an exchange.

What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of this event we cannot issue refunds for unused tickets. You may exchange your unused tickets for a voucher good for a future visit valid Jan-Feb 2024. Please send an email to ticketmaster@dctrolley.org with the name and date on the original reservation, and you will receive your voucher.

I am a member of the museum – do I get free admission?
NCTM and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members have free admission. Any accompanying guests will need to pay regular admission rates. If you have not made an advance reservation, you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride.

I have a Friends & Family Pass – can I use it?
Yes! Given the limited capacity on the streetcars you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride. If you wish to ride at a specific time we recommend that you purchase an advance reservation ticket for a specific time slot – F&F pass holders may do so at the reduced admission rate.

I don’t have a reservation – do you accept walk-ins?
Reservations are required. Walk-in visitors are advised that every effort will be made to accommodate them but they are not guaranteed a ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the trolley ride?
No, your trolley ride is included in the price of your ticket.

Can I take more than one trolley ride during Holly Trolley Fest?
Given the limited capacity during this event your ticket will include one trolley ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the hot chocolate and cookies?
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in our classroom – we ask for a donation to support the museum and offset the cost.

We want to attend Holly Trolley but would prefer a trolley ride without Santa – is this possible?
Each day, the trolley ride associated with the 1:30 pm time slot will not have Santa on board. This specific time slot will be clearly indicated on our advance reservation site.

I would like a group picture of our family in the Museum – can this be arranged?
Yes –our museum staff is available to take pictures of you and your group on a decorated trolley, or anywhere else in the museum.

The National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest will be held this year December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4:30pm.

Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive at my assigned time slot?
Check in at the registration desk to receive your ride tickets. Your ride will start 15-20 minutes after your assigned time slot; please plan to arrive on time! After check-in, enjoy the exhibits and activities until your trolley boards.

What happens if I miss my assigned time slot on the day of my reservation?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your reserved time you may not be able to ride at your assigned time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate your party on the next available trolley. In that case, please make yourself known to our staff; they will advise you when you can take your ride.

My plans changed; is my reservation valid any other day?
Your reservation is valid for a specific day and time. Contact the museum to inquire about an exchange.

What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of this event we cannot issue refunds for unused tickets. You may exchange your unused tickets for a voucher good for a future visit valid Jan-Feb 2024. Please send an email to ticketmaster@dctrolley.org with the name and date on the original reservation, and you will receive your voucher.

I am a member of the museum – do I get free admission?
NCTM and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members have free admission. Any accompanying guests will need to pay regular admission rates. If you have not made an advance reservation, you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride.

I have a Friends & Family Pass – can I use it?
Yes! Given the limited capacity on the streetcars you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride. If you wish to ride at a specific time we recommend that you purchase an advance reservation ticket for a specific time slot – F&F pass holders may do so at the reduced admission rate.

I don’t have a reservation – do you accept walk-ins?
Reservations are required. Walk-in visitors are advised that every effort will be made to accommodate them but they are not guaranteed a ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the trolley ride?
No, your trolley ride is included in the price of your ticket.

Can I take more than one trolley ride during Holly Trolley Fest?
Given the limited capacity during this event your ticket will include one trolley ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the hot chocolate and cookies?
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in our classroom – we ask for a donation to support the museum and offset the cost.

We want to attend Holly Trolley but would prefer a trolley ride without Santa – is this possible?
Each day, the trolley ride associated with the 1:30 pm time slot will not have Santa on board. This specific time slot will be clearly indicated on our advance reservation site.

I would like a group picture of our family in the Museum – can this be arranged?
Yes –our museum staff is available to take pictures of you and your group on a decorated trolley, or anywhere else in the museum.

The National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest will be held this year December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4:30pm.

Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive at my assigned time slot?
Check in at the registration desk to receive your ride tickets. Your ride will start 15-20 minutes after your assigned time slot; please plan to arrive on time! After check-in, enjoy the exhibits and activities until your trolley boards.

What happens if I miss my assigned time slot on the day of my reservation?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your reserved time you may not be able to ride at your assigned time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate your party on the next available trolley. In that case, please make yourself known to our staff; they will advise you when you can take your ride.

My plans changed; is my reservation valid any other day?
Your reservation is valid for a specific day and time. Contact the museum to inquire about an exchange.

What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of this event we cannot issue refunds for unused tickets. You may exchange your unused tickets for a voucher good for a future visit valid Jan-Feb 2024. Please send an email to ticketmaster@dctrolley.org with the name and date on the original reservation, and you will receive your voucher.

I am a member of the museum – do I get free admission?
NCTM and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members have free admission. Any accompanying guests will need to pay regular admission rates. If you have not made an advance reservation, you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride.

I have a Friends & Family Pass – can I use it?
Yes! Given the limited capacity on the streetcars you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride. If you wish to ride at a specific time we recommend that you purchase an advance reservation ticket for a specific time slot – F&F pass holders may do so at the reduced admission rate.

I don’t have a reservation – do you accept walk-ins?
Reservations are required. Walk-in visitors are advised that every effort will be made to accommodate them but they are not guaranteed a ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the trolley ride?
No, your trolley ride is included in the price of your ticket.

Can I take more than one trolley ride during Holly Trolley Fest?
Given the limited capacity during this event your ticket will include one trolley ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the hot chocolate and cookies?
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in our classroom – we ask for a donation to support the museum and offset the cost.

We want to attend Holly Trolley but would prefer a trolley ride without Santa – is this possible?
Each day, the trolley ride associated with the 1:30 pm time slot will not have Santa on board. This specific time slot will be clearly indicated on our advance reservation site.

I would like a group picture of our family in the Museum – can this be arranged?
Yes –our museum staff is available to take pictures of you and your group on a decorated trolley, or anywhere else in the museum.

The National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest will be held this year December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4:30pm.

Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive at my assigned time slot?
Check in at the registration desk to receive your ride tickets. Your ride will start 15-20 minutes after your assigned time slot; please plan to arrive on time! After check-in, enjoy the exhibits and activities until your trolley boards.

What happens if I miss my assigned time slot on the day of my reservation?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your reserved time you may not be able to ride at your assigned time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate your party on the next available trolley. In that case, please make yourself known to our staff; they will advise you when you can take your ride.

My plans changed; is my reservation valid any other day?
Your reservation is valid for a specific day and time. Contact the museum to inquire about an exchange.

What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of this event we cannot issue refunds for unused tickets. You may exchange your unused tickets for a voucher good for a future visit valid Jan-Feb 2024. Please send an email to ticketmaster@dctrolley.org with the name and date on the original reservation, and you will receive your voucher.

I am a member of the museum – do I get free admission?
NCTM and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members have free admission. Any accompanying guests will need to pay regular admission rates. If you have not made an advance reservation, you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride.

I have a Friends & Family Pass – can I use it?
Yes! Given the limited capacity on the streetcars you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride. If you wish to ride at a specific time we recommend that you purchase an advance reservation ticket for a specific time slot – F&F pass holders may do so at the reduced admission rate.

I don’t have a reservation – do you accept walk-ins?
Reservations are required. Walk-in visitors are advised that every effort will be made to accommodate them but they are not guaranteed a ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the trolley ride?
No, your trolley ride is included in the price of your ticket.

Can I take more than one trolley ride during Holly Trolley Fest?
Given the limited capacity during this event your ticket will include one trolley ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the hot chocolate and cookies?
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in our classroom – we ask for a donation to support the museum and offset the cost.

We want to attend Holly Trolley but would prefer a trolley ride without Santa – is this possible?
Each day, the trolley ride associated with the 1:30 pm time slot will not have Santa on board. This specific time slot will be clearly indicated on our advance reservation site.

I would like a group picture of our family in the Museum – can this be arranged?
Yes –our museum staff is available to take pictures of you and your group on a decorated trolley, or anywhere else in the museum.

The National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest will be held this year December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4:30pm.

Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive at my assigned time slot?
Check in at the registration desk to receive your ride tickets. Your ride will start 15-20 minutes after your assigned time slot; please plan to arrive on time! After check-in, enjoy the exhibits and activities until your trolley boards.

What happens if I miss my assigned time slot on the day of my reservation?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your reserved time you may not be able to ride at your assigned time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate your party on the next available trolley. In that case, please make yourself known to our staff; they will advise you when you can take your ride.

My plans changed; is my reservation valid any other day?
Your reservation is valid for a specific day and time. Contact the museum to inquire about an exchange.

What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of this event we cannot issue refunds for unused tickets. You may exchange your unused tickets for a voucher good for a future visit valid Jan-Feb 2024. Please send an email to ticketmaster@dctrolley.org with the name and date on the original reservation, and you will receive your voucher.

I am a member of the museum – do I get free admission?
NCTM and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members have free admission. Any accompanying guests will need to pay regular admission rates. If you have not made an advance reservation, you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride.

I have a Friends & Family Pass – can I use it?
Yes! Given the limited capacity on the streetcars you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride. If you wish to ride at a specific time we recommend that you purchase an advance reservation ticket for a specific time slot – F&F pass holders may do so at the reduced admission rate.

I don’t have a reservation – do you accept walk-ins?
Reservations are required. Walk-in visitors are advised that every effort will be made to accommodate them but they are not guaranteed a ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the trolley ride?
No, your trolley ride is included in the price of your ticket.

Can I take more than one trolley ride during Holly Trolley Fest?
Given the limited capacity during this event your ticket will include one trolley ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the hot chocolate and cookies?
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in our classroom – we ask for a donation to support the museum and offset the cost.

We want to attend Holly Trolley but would prefer a trolley ride without Santa – is this possible?
Each day, the trolley ride associated with the 1:30 pm time slot will not have Santa on board. This specific time slot will be clearly indicated on our advance reservation site.

I would like a group picture of our family in the Museum – can this be arranged?
Yes –our museum staff is available to take pictures of you and your group on a decorated trolley, or anywhere else in the museum.

The National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest will be held this year December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4:30pm.

Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive at my assigned time slot?
Check in at the registration desk to receive your ride tickets. Your ride will start 15-20 minutes after your assigned time slot; please plan to arrive on time! After check-in, enjoy the exhibits and activities until your trolley boards.

What happens if I miss my assigned time slot on the day of my reservation?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your reserved time you may not be able to ride at your assigned time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate your party on the next available trolley. In that case, please make yourself known to our staff; they will advise you when you can take your ride.

My plans changed; is my reservation valid any other day?
Your reservation is valid for a specific day and time. Contact the museum to inquire about an exchange.

What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of this event we cannot issue refunds for unused tickets. You may exchange your unused tickets for a voucher good for a future visit valid Jan-Feb 2024. Please send an email to ticketmaster@dctrolley.org with the name and date on the original reservation, and you will receive your voucher.

I am a member of the museum – do I get free admission?
NCTM and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members have free admission. Any accompanying guests will need to pay regular admission rates. If you have not made an advance reservation, you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride.

I have a Friends & Family Pass – can I use it?
Yes! Given the limited capacity on the streetcars you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride. If you wish to ride at a specific time we recommend that you purchase an advance reservation ticket for a specific time slot – F&F pass holders may do so at the reduced admission rate.

I don’t have a reservation – do you accept walk-ins?
Reservations are required. Walk-in visitors are advised that every effort will be made to accommodate them but they are not guaranteed a ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the trolley ride?
No, your trolley ride is included in the price of your ticket.

Can I take more than one trolley ride during Holly Trolley Fest?
Given the limited capacity during this event your ticket will include one trolley ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the hot chocolate and cookies?
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in our classroom – we ask for a donation to support the museum and offset the cost.

We want to attend Holly Trolley but would prefer a trolley ride without Santa – is this possible?
Each day, the trolley ride associated with the 1:30 pm time slot will not have Santa on board. This specific time slot will be clearly indicated on our advance reservation site.

I would like a group picture of our family in the Museum – can this be arranged?
Yes –our museum staff is available to take pictures of you and your group on a decorated trolley, or anywhere else in the museum.

The National Capital Trolley Museum’s annual Holly Trolley Fest will be held this year December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, and 23, from 11am - 4:30pm.

Visit with Santa down our mile-long woodland railroad, featuring a holiday ride on our historic street cars. In addition, enjoy a holiday model railroad display in collaboration with the Washington, Virginia & Maryland Garden Railway Society, crafts for children, photo opportunities, and more. Come join us for this special holiday event!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect when I arrive at my assigned time slot?
Check in at the registration desk to receive your ride tickets. Your ride will start 15-20 minutes after your assigned time slot; please plan to arrive on time! After check-in, enjoy the exhibits and activities until your trolley boards.

What happens if I miss my assigned time slot on the day of my reservation?
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your reserved time you may not be able to ride at your assigned time. However, we will make every effort to accommodate your party on the next available trolley. In that case, please make yourself known to our staff; they will advise you when you can take your ride.

My plans changed; is my reservation valid any other day?
Your reservation is valid for a specific day and time. Contact the museum to inquire about an exchange.

What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity and popularity of this event we cannot issue refunds for unused tickets. You may exchange your unused tickets for a voucher good for a future visit valid Jan-Feb 2024. Please send an email to ticketmaster@dctrolley.org with the name and date on the original reservation, and you will receive your voucher.

I am a member of the museum – do I get free admission?
NCTM and Baltimore Streetcar Museum members have free admission. Any accompanying guests will need to pay regular admission rates. If you have not made an advance reservation, you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride.

I have a Friends & Family Pass – can I use it?
Yes! Given the limited capacity on the streetcars you may have to wait for the next available trolley ride. If you wish to ride at a specific time we recommend that you purchase an advance reservation ticket for a specific time slot – F&F pass holders may do so at the reduced admission rate.

I don’t have a reservation – do you accept walk-ins?
Reservations are required. Walk-in visitors are advised that every effort will be made to accommodate them but they are not guaranteed a ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the trolley ride?
No, your trolley ride is included in the price of your ticket.

Can I take more than one trolley ride during Holly Trolley Fest?
Given the limited capacity during this event your ticket will include one trolley ride.

Do I have to pay extra for the hot chocolate and cookies?
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served in our classroom – we ask for a donation to support the museum and offset the cost.

We want to attend Holly Trolley but would prefer a trolley ride without Santa – is this possible?
Each day, the trolley ride associated with the 1:30 pm time slot will not have Santa on board. This specific time slot will be clearly indicated on our advance reservation site.

I would like a group picture of our family in the Museum – can this be arranged?
Yes –our museum staff is available to take pictures of you and your group on a decorated trolley, or anywhere else in the museum.

Transit safety is an important part of making sure everyone gets to their destination without incident. From safety experts to technology to special signals, learn about all the methods transit systems have used — and improved — throughout history.

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month, join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

The National Capital Trolley Museum will hold a volunteer open house on November 4th, starting at 10:30am. Join current volunteers and staff to learn more about the museum, what we do, and the many ways you can help!

• Streetcar operations including museum docents/tour guides, streetcar conductors, and operators!

• Maintenance & restoration of trolleys and the railway (all experience levels welcome!)

• Opportunities to support our educational programming, marketing, gift shop sales, special events and more!

NOTE: Registration required! Volunteers must be age 14 or older. Lunch will be provided at this event!

Happy Trolley-ween! Visitors are encouraged to get in the spirit of the season and wear a costume to the National Capital Trolley Museum! Join us for some good October fun — make Halloween crafts (and learn about street car signal lights), ride an antique street car, and take advantage of photo ops!

Please keep costumes family friendly. Activities included with regular price of admission. Last street car ride leaves 30min before close.

The National Capital Trackers have been operating “O" gauge model trains in Washington, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland since 1991. Club members of every age enthusiastically share with the public their passion for America’s Greatest Hobby -- and now you can too! Join the Trackers at the National Capital Trolley Museum for a special display of model rail Saturday and Sunday, Oct 14-15.

The National Capital Trackers have been operating “O" gauge model trains in Washington, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland since 1991. Club members of every age enthusiastically share with the public their passion for America’s Greatest Hobby -- and now you can too! Join the Trackers at the National Capital Trolley Museum for a special display of model rail Saturday and Sunday, Oct 14-15.

In partnership with Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company and the Olney Winery, bring your dancing shoes and sip a drink while enjoying local art and listening to the group “Melanie, Kurt & Will” perform variety and dance music from the 50’s to the present! Trolley rides will be available throughout the event.

Also in partnership with the Montgomery Art Association, the Trolley Museum will host the artworks of local artists who attended our Plein Air Day on September 23rd. Join us during the evening to meet the artists and participate in a silent auction of their trolley-themed pieces!

It’s National Book Month! Join us for special story times during your visit and make your own coloring book to take home!

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month, join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

Postponed to rain date: September 30th!

We are excited to once again partner with the Montgomery Art Association for a one-day Plein Air outdoor painting event. (Rain date: September 30th)

Local artists will be creating artwork live at the Trolley Museum throughout the day, in addition to special revenue runs of streetcars. This event provides a unique venue for artistic inspiration and subject matter interpretation for local artists, and serves as an opportunity for communities of artists and historic streetcar enthusiasts to interact in a collaborative effort designed to celebrate our shared heritage.

Plus, join us two weeks later for an art show and awards at Sip, Rock, and Ride (October 7th)!

Calling all artists!

Spend the day at a unique venue in Montgomery County, sketching and painting historic trolley cars. Montgomery Arts Association (MAA) and the National Capital Trolley Museum are sponsoring a day of plein air painting, drawing, and Urban Sketching at the museum in Colesville, and you’re invited to participate!

Registration fee $5 for MAA members, $10 for non-members, free for Montgomery College students. Includes museum admission, trolley ride, and snacks/drinks. (Any non-artist guests you bring would need to purchase a museum entry ticket.) Artists arrive at 9:30am.

All participating artists are invited to show their work in a free companion exhibit at the museum itself. Yes, your art will be in a museum! It will include a reception and silent auction we're calling "Sip, Rock 'n' Ride."

We all rely on transit, whether we’re commuting, traveling, learning, and more! But who makes transportation possible? What jobs were available 100 years ago… and now? How did these workers fight and continue to fight for fair contracts and conditions? In honor of Labor Day, step into the shoes of the operators, conductors, maintenance workers, and safety officials who kept and keep us moving forward.

(Due to the holiday weekend, this All Aboard! program is held the 2nd Saturday of the month.)

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month (with some scheduling exceptions), join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

Our annual celebration of the Presidents Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars returns with a full weekend of special revenue runs by our favorite PCC cars, photo opportunities, family activities, and behind the scenes looks at the Museum’s current restoration projects!

Sunday Activities

12 - 1:30 pm: PCC revenue operations — take a ride on all three!

1:30 - 2 pm: PCC Parade — your opportunity to see four PCC streetcars from several cities and enjoy time for photography.

2-4 pm: PCC revenue operations continue

Plus, enjoy the following activities throughout the day:

• Family Activities — make your own conductor hat, go on a scavenger hunt, and design a streetcar livery contest!

• T-Track model display — Enjoy model streetcars and other rail vehicles in the classroom

• 1-4 pm: Trolley Restoration Barn — learn from our maintenance and restoration crew how we care for our streetcar collection

• “The Trolley” Movie Showings — rest in the auditorium for a 45 min presentation of Steven Low’s “The Trolley: A Spark of Genius.”

Our annual celebration of the Presidents Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars returns with a full weekend of special revenue runs by our favorite PCC cars, photo opportunities, family activities, and behind the scenes looks at the Museum’s current restoration projects!

Saturday Activities

11 - 12:15 pm: PCC Line-Up — your opportunity to see six PCC streetcars from several countries and cities and enjoy time for photography.

12:30 - 2 pm: PCC revenue operations — take a ride on all three!

2 - 2:30 pm: Washington DC Streetcar Parade — Enjoy a demonstration the return of CTCo 522 (1898); along with our snowsweeper CTCo 09 (1899); and DC’s first PCC car, DCTS 1101 (1937).

2:30 - 5 pm: PCC revenue operations continue

Plus, enjoy the following activities throughout the day:

• Family Activities — make your own conductor hat, go on a scavenger hunt, and design a streetcar livery contest!

• T-Track model display — Enjoy model streetcars and other rail vehicles in the classroom

• 1-4 pm: Trolley Restoration Barn — learn from our maintenance and restoration crew how we care for our streetcar collection

• “The Trolley” Movie Showings — rest in the auditorium for a 45 min presentation of Steven Low’s “The Trolley: A Spark of Genius.”

Building parks was once a common way for streetcar companies to increase profits by providing a fun place for people to travel to — by streetcar, of course. These parks, known as trolley parks, could be as simple as a picnicking spot or as glamorous and exciting as an amusement park with rides, games, and water sports! Learn more about Montgomery County’s local trolley park Glen Echo, make a craft, and enjoy a display of objects from Glen Echo!

PLEASE NOTE: Our streetcars will be taking a well-deserved break on Saturday, August 5th. There will be NO STREETCAR RIDES available on this day. Tickets are discounted to $5 per person. Attendees will also be able to claim a discount for a future visit at the door (with the purchase of a discounted ticket on August 5th).

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month, join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

During the first and second World Wars, streetcars played important roles in the lives of US and Canadian citizens who wanted to do their part to help the war effort. Meanwhile, groups that had historically been discriminated against saw the opportunity to push for rights and employment in the streetcar industry — forever changing policies and practices across the continent.

Learn more about these times of change through a special exploration of objects from the museum archive, where participants will get to see and touch some objects from the period!

All Aboard! is NCTM’s monthly family program series. Every first Saturday of the month, join us to learn about a new topic of transit history through hands-on learning, scientific experimentation, creating art, and more! Designed for ages 4 and up, younger children may succeed with adult assistance.

Heritage Days 2023: FREE Museum admission, rides $5/person.

Enjoy a tour of the museum and Montgomery County-focused family activities like crafts and a scavenger hunt with prizes free of charge today, in honor of Heritage Days 2023, coordinated by our partner, Heritage Montgomery! 

Your free admission does NOT include a streetcar ride. Streetcar rides will be available for purchase at the museum, $5/person ages 2+. Your ride fare supports our mission to maintain, restore, and operate historic streetcars all year long!

Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged!

Join Montgomery Parks for a community meeting (rescheduled from June 6th) to learn more about a proposed 18-hole disc golf course which will be located at Northwest Branch Recreational Park - the park where the National Capital Trolley Museum resides.

Registration not required but encouraged.

Running a railway and keeping our historic streetcars operational takes a lot of space, equipment, and especially a dedicated crew!

For our first Summer Sunday, go behind the scenes for a special look at our car shop where the museum's fleet is serviced between operations. Chat with members of our Maintenance and Restoration team to learn about what they do to restore and preserve streetcars as old as 125 years and from six different countries!

Summer Sundays at the Trolley Museum will be offered once a month June - August!