About Us
_The Lehnis Railroad Museum offers several amenities: handicap accessible ramps, exhibit galleries, a red caboose, gift shop, restrooms, free parking, train-watching platform with picnic tables, rolling stock, rental facilities, and group tours.
|
|
Martin & Frances Lehnis
and the History of the Museum
_The Martin and Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum became a reality as a result of several years' work done by people both in Brownwood and in the railroad community. Martin & Frances Lehnis had a farm east of Early for may years, where they raised their son and collected thousands of railroad artifacts. Martin "Buster" had worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 49 years and 10 months as a welder before retiring. At that point he changed from full-scale railroading to model railroading.
As they grew older, Martin and Frances started planning what should be done with their massive collection of historic railroad artifacts. The railroad community feared the collection would be auctioned off and sent all over the country. William Osborn, a rail fan collector and attorney in Austin, helped the Lehnises form a contract with the City of Brownwood to donate the collection to be used to establish a transportation museum.
The museum opened its doors to the public on September 14, 2007 during Brownwood's Reunion Celebration. The museum's exhibits are a result of the City of Brownwood's support, the amazing talents of volunteers from all over the county, and donations from members of our community. The museum continues to grow and flourish from the efforts of so many, and is truly a museum that volunteers built.
As they grew older, Martin and Frances started planning what should be done with their massive collection of historic railroad artifacts. The railroad community feared the collection would be auctioned off and sent all over the country. William Osborn, a rail fan collector and attorney in Austin, helped the Lehnises form a contract with the City of Brownwood to donate the collection to be used to establish a transportation museum.
The museum opened its doors to the public on September 14, 2007 during Brownwood's Reunion Celebration. The museum's exhibits are a result of the City of Brownwood's support, the amazing talents of volunteers from all over the county, and donations from members of our community. The museum continues to grow and flourish from the efforts of so many, and is truly a museum that volunteers built.
Purpose and Goals
_The mission of the Martin & Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and educate the public about the role of Brownwood, Texas in the railroad history of Texas and that of the American Southwest. In other words, we teach trains!