Preservation efforts trace back to 1965, when several employees and volunteers of the Morris County Central began displaying a small collection of railroad memorabilia in the Morristown and Erie Freight House. The Whippany River Railroad dates back to 1895 when it was constructed in under four months to complete a four-mile connection to the Lackawana in Morristown. The Museum, in the beautifully restored Freight House , displays fascinating railroad artifacts and memorabilia such as tickets, lanterns, photos, bells, whistles, headlights, and other items, including a foot-powered rail car and nostalgic old signs. Another display pays special tribute to the great Ocean Liners , a form a transportation closely tied to railroading. Current as of this writing is Lusitania, The Final Farewell , an exhibition with photos, video, and Cunard artifacts that combine to tell this tragic and controversial story.
Exhibits change annually to reflect a new theme important to the history of railroading.
A special treat is the Museum's Lionel Train layout, one of the largest in New Jersey. It features the Whippanong Valley Railroad with operating accessories that can be interactively controlled. Outside visitors can stroll through the Whippany railroad yard where many pieces of full-size, historical railroad equipment and rolling stock are displayed. The Museum is constantly expanding, with several restoration projects underway at any one time, bringing visitors back again and again to see what's new. Families and Groups alike will enjoy the visit, as well as a number of special activities and events throughout the year.