The Railroad Museum of New England and the Naugatuck Railroad marked three decades of operation with its “Celebrate 30” events on Sept. 25–27, based in Thomaston, Conn. More than 150 people attended the festivities, which coincided with the 177th anniversary of the original Naugatuck Railroad, which first opened on September 25, 1849.

The museum and railroad began operations on September 26, 1996, with special excursions running south to Waterbury, Conn. on Saturday and north to Torrington, Conn. on Sunday to mark the occasion.

Leading the trains was Naugatuck Railroad 2798, a General Electric U23B that previously served Conrail and later Providence & Worcester. The locomotive was repainted this year in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Photo run-bys were offered as part of these excursions.

Invited guests included elected officials, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and Stephen Lewis, President and CEO of Thomaston Savings Bank, who sponsored the event and has supported the railroad with grants since the late 1990s.

The Naugatuck Railroad is a common carrier short line owned and operated by the nonprofit Railroad Museum of New England. Its roots trace back to the 1960s, with a mission to preserve and interpret New England’s rich railroad history. Thirty years ago, volunteers launched scenic excursion operations on a state-owned former New Haven route between Waterbury and Torrington. With community support, the fire-damaged Thomaston station was rebuilt, aided by Thomaston Savings Bank and others, while the 20-mile rail line was upgraded with support from the State of Connecticut.

Thomaston serves as the base of operations for the railroad, and a new yard and restoration shop was constructed just south of there in 2007, allowing the museum to expand their fleet of equipment.

— Nick Stewart