Chartered May 1, 1979, the Wilmington Railroad Museum celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, according to a news release. 

The museum honors the traditions and contributions of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad to Wilmington and the Southeastern U.S., the release stated.

The museum was founded as a joint contribution of three local Wilmington residents and a handful of artifacts, growing from there, according to the release.

In 1983, the museum moved from its temporary residence to the original ACL Freight Office Building on Nutt Street.

“Following the move, the number of exhibits expanded greatly with donations of artifacts, photographs, materials, and even an entire locomotive and caboose,” the release stated. “This new collection of items made it clear that the museum was outgrowing its current facilities, and it moved a final time in 2007 to an authentic 1883 railroad freight warehouse, which allows ample room for the museum’s extensive ACL and railroad collection.”

The museum pays homage to the impact of railroads in local and national history, featuring regional railroad artifacts dating from the 1840s through today. In addition to the historical items, the museum has an interactive model railroad layout, totaling over 1,600 square feet, which includes a children’s wooden train area.

The museum will commemorate its anniversary throughout the year with special events, including a historical lecture series, members-only events and family days.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter months and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the summer, except major holidays.