CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has received a $100,000 grant from the State of Tennessee. The grant, administered by the Tennessee State Museum is for capital maintenance and improvement projects. The museum will use the funds for additional improvements to its Grand Junction depot area.
Specifically, the museum will fund three projects to enhance the depot:
- Additional windows will be replaced for greater energy efficiency;
- The electrical system will be improved to reduce locomotive idling while at the depot; and,
- Additional outside lighting will be added to facilitate night events.
“These grants allow us to make additional improvements that would otherwise not be possible at this time,” says Penelope Soule Gault, TVRM senior director, marketing, communications, and guest experience.
This is the third year of the competitive grant program designed “for the sole purpose of providing grants to museums with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or affiliated with a governmental entity for capital maintenance and improvements.” Tennessee non-profit organizations were seeking a portion of the $5 million pool. For 2025, 178 applications totaling $12,031,874 were received. The awards went to 99 museums, ranging from $5,000 to the maximum $100,000.
TVRM received a $67,500 grant under this program in 2024.
“The Tennessee Capital Improvement Grants continue to support and strengthen the infrastructure of institutions preserving our state and local history and culture,” says Ashley Howell, Tennessee State Museum executive director. “We are honored to help support the commitment of those institutions to better serve their communities and visitors through collection care and visitor accessibility these last three years. We are inspired by the dedication of their staff and volunteers. None of it would be possible, of course, without the State of Tennessee’s unwavering support for Tennessee history.”
The Grand Junction Depot is an integral part of the TVRM facilities. Through the depot, the museum’s exhibit space, its restoration work, and train rides, TVRM works to interpret the role of railroads in the history and development of Tennessee.
For more information about the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum visit its website.
