Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

SALUDA—The Saluda Historic Depot Museum recently announced the acquisition of a significant new collection of over 50 railroad-related artifacts.

As of May 30, Matt Bumgarner’s collection has been acquired on loan from Matt’s wife, Dawn, and her three daughters. This exciting addition to the museum will further enrich the community’s understanding of the history of the railroad industry, especially the Saluda Grade. 

The collection encompasses a diverse range of items, including historic railroad equipment, railroad memorabilia, and rare photographs and documents, providing a glimpse into the past and documenting the evolution of the railroad industry.

Notably, this new collection features a full-sized Speeder Car, the headlight used on Franklin Roosevelt’s funeral train, headlights from Swannanoa trains, steam whistles, a presentation bell, tools, signage, tickets, and other fascinating objects that tell the stories of the people who worked and rode the rails.

The museum is working on integrating these new items into its exhibits and will announce specific display dates soon. In the meantime, the public is invited to visit www.saludahistoricdepot.com and the museum’s social media channels for updates.