RUSH, N.Y. — The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum will be closed until Aug. 2 as a result of significant flood damage suffered on June 18, the museum has announced.
Storms brought more than 7 inches of rain in a three-hour period, causing widespread damage throughout New York’s Monroe County. Museum damage included significant washouts in areas supporting its railroad tracks, making excursion operations unsafe, according to a museum post on Facebook. Crews are currently assessing the full extent of damage and the repairs needed. Those holding tickets for June or July will receive full refunds.
“As a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, we rely on ticket sales to support our mission,” the museum said in a press release. “However, the safety of our guests, volunteers, and equipment must always come first. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work to restore operations and preserve Rochester’s rich railroading heritage for generations to come.”
The museum is soliciting donations to help defray repair costs at the donation page on its website. Follow the website or the museum’s Facebook page for more information.
The museum, an all-volunteer organization dating to the 1937 founding of the Rochester Chapter of the National Railway Historical society, is based in a former Erie Lackawanna station in Rush, about 15 miles south of Rochester, N.Y. It has preserved more than 40 pieces of historic equipment.
WROC-TV reports the storms lead to the collapse of a roadway bridge and other damage to homes and roadways; the town of Avon, 10 miles from Rush, has declared a state of emergency as a step to pursue aid to repair the damage.
— Updated at 11:05 a.m. CT with photo and additional information.
Sad news about a phenomenal railroad museum… More positive power & best of good luck to the RGVRRM management!
Dr. Güntürk Üstün