Laura (Schlabach) Jacobson, co-founder of the Jerry and Laura Jacobson Foundation, which established the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio, died on Nov. 18, 2025, the museum announced in a statement today.
Mrs. Jacobson remained on the museum’s board of directors until her death. She was active in the organization’s leadership helping ensure a dedication to restoration, preservation, and operation of historic steam locomotives for the education, entertainment, and enlightenment of guests, the museum said in a statement.
Railroading became a significant part of Mrs. Jacobson’s life when she married Jerry Joe Jacobson in 1988. Mr. Jacobson owned the Ohio Central Railroad and was a known railroad enthusiast. Mrs. Jacobson took over management of the railroad’s steam passenger train operations and the Sugarcreek gift shop. Her late husband often commented that the railroad, and ultimately the museum, would never have gotten where it is currently if Laura had not been there to make it happen. Mrs. Jacobson’s passion for rail heritage, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to preserving and interpreting America’s steam history have been instrumental in guiding the museum into the internationally respected organization it is today, the museum stated.
Her work extended beyond the physical objects held by the museum. Mrs. Jacobson has helped create a community of steam enthusiasts, historians, volunteers, and supporters, who continue to carry the institution’s mission forward.
The Age of Steam Roundhouse holds a collection of 25 steam locomotives, plus diesel locomotives, along with freight and passenger cars. The working museum restores its pieces to tell the story of U.S. steam railroading. Co-founder Jerry Joe Jacobson died on Sept. 13, 2017.
