Central Florida Railroad Museum

Our History

The Central Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Inc. was chartered on November 8, 1970, with fourteen founding members. From its inception, the Chapter always had a dream of having a permanent home for Chapter activities and a railroad museum. The Chapter purchased the former Tavares & Gulf Railroad depot at Winter Garden from the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad on October 22, 1979, and immediately began restoration efforts on the structure.

The Central Florida Railroad Museum grand opening was held on May 21, 1983. The Society also holds it's monthly meetings in the recently renovated Ken Murdock Gallery in the former Roper Building, attached to the eastern end of the depot. On August 13, 2012, the Chapter's membership voted to withdraw from the National Railway Historical Society, Inc. and form the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc. The official date for the change was January 1, 2013.

Through the operation of the Central Florida Railroad Museum, the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc. is committed to the collection and preservation of railroad history, with a special focus on Central Florida, and the restoration and exhibition of railroad memorabilia for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Central Florida Railroad Museum is operated under a cooperative agreement between the City of Winter Garden, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and the Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc.

Ride in style.

Brightline gets you on track to all the top destinations in Florida. Enjoy comfort at every step of the journey — from our state-of-the-art stations with elevated food and drinks, spacious lounges, and more. Onboard, settle into hand-stitched leather seats, food and drink options, and everything else you’ll need for a memorable journey.