Today we’d like to introduce you to Rainey Webster
Hi Rainey , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Nestled in historic Rosenberg, Texas, next to four active rail tracks, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum opened its doors to the public in June 2002. Located in the heart of downtown Rosenberg, our mission is to preserve railroad history and its impact on the development of Fort Bend County, Texas, while educating the community through engaging history and science programs.
Since its opening, the museum has expanded significantly. In addition to the Union Depot Replica building and the Quebec business-class railcar, the museum now includes more land featuring park-like grounds, a Garden Railroad outdoor layout exhibit, Historic Tower 17, an Education Station with a Discovery Playroom for kids, a classroom for educational lessons, and an indoor model train room housing six working model train layouts. The museum grounds also offer a park area complete with an interactive play depot and a wooden kids’ train. Families and rail fans can enjoy picnicking under the covered pavilion while watching the busy railroad tracks for passing trains.
This year, the museum further expanded its offerings with the completion of the Heritage Rail Project. This project added 387 feet of railroad track, sidewalks, and three new vintage rail cars, along with a new vintage locomotive and the museum’s beloved red caboose!
Whether you’re looking to learn about the history of railroads in Texas through our gallery exhibits or simply seeking a fun day out with family and friends, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum has something for everyone, from ages 1 to 100! It’s a fantastic place for an engaging and educational outing, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The museum has faced many challenges during its most recent expansion, the Heritage Rail Project. The idea to add more track, possibly connecting to the main rail lines, and rail cars to the museum was an idea that the museum has had for over 20 years.
In 2021, the Gulf Coast Chapter of National Railway Historical Society, had approached the museum about their 16 historic rail cars. The museum’s board of director decided to make the addition of track to house rail cars and connect to the mainline rail roads a priority.
Challenge 1: Not being able to build the first concept:
I presented the first funding requests in the late summer of 2021. It took nearly a year in a half to receive the first funding for the project. The George Foundation granted a generous grant for the museum to complete the surveys, feasibility study and engineering design for the project. The results revealed that connecting to mainline rail would not be feasible. The museum made a decision to move forward to build a stationary rail to house up to five rail cars. This opportunity fit the museum’s mission of preserving historic rail cars but also solved an issue we were experiencing with not having enough education classroom space for our growing education programs.
Challenge 2: Funding for the Construction Phase:
It took another year and a half to secure the 90% of the funding needed to build Rail and make the civil improvements necessary for this project. The museum has was able to have the remaining 10% of the construction phase funding from donations from major donors.
Challenge 3: Funding and relocating the Rail Cars from Houston to Rosenberg
Funding for Phase 3 of the Heritage Rail Project (Rail Car Relocation) was received through a generous grant from The Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation. The funds for this grant would only cover the cost of the relocation of two of the four rail cars. Once presented with the funding shortfall Chapman Hauling offered to donate a good portion of his services as they are a local Rosenberg Business and wanted the community to have this opportunity to improve the cultural offerings. The museum board of directors met to approve the remaining funds needs, about $50,000, to complete the project. This was important because we received a funding agreement from the City of Rosenberg via Rosenberg Development Corporation, for economic development for the construction phase of this project but the agreement was contingent on receiving all four rail cars.
By January 31, Construction vendor, W. T. Byler, the museum’s construction of the Heritage Rail Project was complete to receive the historic rail cars. Heavy Haul vendor, Chapman Hauling, was scheduled to deliver the rail cars in mid-february. There were some delays due to poor track conditions. Track repairs were made and the cars arrived two weeks later, one by one over a week’s time. Chapman Hauling was able to pivot and find creative solutions to deliver the rail cars to their new home.
The new Challenge: Final Phase of Refurbishment/Restoration/Exhibit Development of the Vintage Rail
As we start our detailed plans and grant writing to receive funds for this phase we know we will have challenges as we work for the next two year to preserve and restore the vintage stock to a level of our standards.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum since September 2020. My background spans fundraising, nonprofit boards, accounting and finance, and insurance.
As a first-time executive director of a nonprofit museum, I never anticipated leading a project to build railroad tracks and transport rail stock. Working at the museum, however, has been incredibly fulfilling, as it allows me to draw upon my diverse skill set daily while also offering new and exciting challenges.
In the end, my role enables me to help the museum achieve its mission of preserving railroad history and providing engaging educational content. But the impact goes beyond that. What we truly do is spark imaginations, inspire new ideas, and connect our community across generations. All of this work truly takes a community effort—from the City of Rosenberg, Fort Bend County, and local businesses, to the support of foundations, as well as our board of directors, staff, and volunteers. What I do would not be possible without their help. This is the driving force behind my commitment to the museum, motivating me to push through any obstacles and find solutions to make every project a reality.
What makes you happy?
The results from our projects and programs, spark imaginations, inspire new ideas, and connect our community across generations. The guests that are in awe when they leave or can’t stop talking about something at the museum!
Pricing:
- Adult Admission $12
- Children (3-12) $10
- Seniors 65 plus $10
- Active Military and under 2 yrs Free
- Yearly Membership $45-$150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrrmuseum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenbergRRmuseum
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rosenberg-railroad-museum
