The Education Department at the Northern Ohio Railway Museum creates opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore history through the museum’s collection, programs, and hands-on experiences. Families can play and explore in the Discovery Track, handle objects from the past through Hands-On History, ride historic streetcars, or take part in programs designed for schools, homeschool groups, and the wider community. Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or planning a group visit, we offer many ways to explore the history of electric railways and the people who used them.

Visit and Explore

• Discovery Track: Available on Operating Days Only The Discovery Track is a place for young visitors to play, build, and explore. Children can build their own railroad with classic wooden trains, try rotating hands-on activities, and explore exhibits that let them handle objects from everyday life. There is always something to discover, whether your child spends a few minutes playing or settles in for a longer visit. Learn More
• Hands-On History: Available on Operating Days Only History is more than something you read about. In Hands-On History, children and adults can handle real tools, gadgets, and everyday objects from the past. Each exhibit explores one type of technology and shows how it changed over time and how those changes fit into the world around us. The featured exhibit changes periodically, giving families and classes something new to explore on future visits. Learn More
• Streetcar Rides and Tours: Your visit includes the opportunity to ride one of our historic streetcars and explore our collection of electric railway equipment. During the ride, our conductors share stories about the people who worked on and rode these cars. Guided tours also give visitors a closer look at equipment spanning more than 75 years of electric railway history, from the 1890s through the 1970s.
• Story Time at NORM: Our youngest visitors can enjoy a story surrounded by historic streetcars and railway equipment. Story Time introduces simple ideas from history through children’s books and activities, with each session connecting the story to something children can see around them. It is a relaxed way for young children and their families to begin exploring the museum together.

Programs for Groups

• Group Field Trips: Schools, homeschool groups, daycares, student organizations, and other groups can explore the museum through a private, guided visit. Groups can explore our collection, see historic equipment up close, and take part in activities suited to the age and interests of their students. We work with group leaders to create a visit that gives students an opportunity to experience electric railway history through the museum’s equipment, stories, and hands-on experiences. Contact us to begin planning a group visit.
  
  Homeschoolers: Visit our homeschool page for more information or to begin planning your visit.

Resources for Families and Teachers

• Education Center: A variety of coloring sheets, activity pages, and other resources are available for children during their visit. They provide another way for children to explore the museum and take something to work on home with them.
• Virtual Learning: Follow our Trolley Tales series on Facebook for stories about local railway history, historic equipment, and the people who worked on and rode the railways. Posts also include activities and answers to questions we hear from visitors.

Community Programs

• Operation Lifesaver: Our authorized volunteers provide safety presentations for schools, scouts, and adult groups in Northeast Ohio. Contact the museum for availability information.
• Media Mornings: Join us for free Saturday morning programs exploring trolley, streetcar, and transit history. Presentations cover a variety of topics and are held at Hinckley Township Hall on select Saturdays in March, May, August, November, and December. Doors open at 9:30 AM.
• Community Presentations: We offer presentations about the Northern Ohio Railway Museum, electric railways, and local transportation history for civic groups and other community organizations. Contact us if your organization would like to arrange a presentation.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Students ages 12-18 can become part of the museum through a variety of volunteer opportunities. Youth volunteers help with museum activities, assist visitors, learn about historic railway equipment, and work alongside our adult volunteers. Opportunities vary depending on age, interests, and the needs of the museum. Whether helping during an Operating Day or taking part in a longer-term project, youth volunteers can gain experience while contributing to the preservation and interpretation of Northeast Ohio’s railway history. Learn More about youth opportunities at NORM.

Have a question about an education program or want to plan a visit? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you find the best option for your family, class, or group.