CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is appealing for public assistance after funds in the museum’s donation box were stolen on Feb. 3.
In a Facebook post, Tabitha Lusk, the museum’s food and beverage director, posted photos and videos related to the break-in and is asking that anyone who can provide information contact the museum at 423-894-8028 or the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525. A group of employees have contributed to a reward. WRCB-TV reports the reward is $200.
“Much of what we do is made possible through donations,” Lusk wrote, “and on Feb. 3, that support was taken from us. … You can make a real difference in protecting and preserving this history for future generations.”
The museum offers train rides diesel- and steam-powered train rides year round to and from Delano, Tenn., and Summerville, Ga. Among its equipment is celebrated Southern Railway 2-8-2 No. 4501, which the museum has announced is being returned to the Southern’s green passenger paint scheme for a limited time [see “Southern Railway No. 4051 returns …,” Trains.com, Feb. 2, 2026]. More information on the museum is available at its website.
— To report news or errors, contact trainsnewswire@firecrown.com.
