Raymond F. Ratcliffe Memorial Transportation Museum

08/25/2026

Yippie!! We caught NS #1776 heading west through town. This one honor the Liberty Bell. This is a collection of 6 engines NS has to honor our nation's 250th Anniversary. We will keep an eagle eye out in hopes of seeing them all. But this one was exciting to see.

08/15/2026

08/08/2026

One of the new Landmark Series engines just headed through town going east. This one was the "Chicago" 8383. It features the Tuscan Red to Black fade and honors cities that are important in railroad history. The other named ones are the "Birmingham", the "Atlanta", and the "Altoona". I am not sure others are planned but they should consider a "Roanoke". Very pretty engine and nice nod to history as well.

07/31/2026

We have a new car on display. This one from Buick Man Jim Peters collection isn't as old as some of the others, but rather a very interesting modified one. Please drop and take a look at all the unique features on the 1986 El Camino. Jim wanted us to open this one up to really showcase it.

07/17/2026

The shared Railroad history of Pulaski County was included in today for VMT's Rail Camp.

07/11/2026

The pretty Virginian traveling through on Friday.

07/03/2026

We are pretty cool!! Join us in an air conditioned area at 4pm at the Train Station to leave your mark on history by painting one of the few remaining tiles to become part of Pulaski County's 250th Mural. Then at 5pm sit back and relax at the museum as you enjoy "Resolved to Live & Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia". The documentary is only 1 hour long giving you plenty of time to get to Calfee Park for the rest of the activities.

07/03/2026

We hope to see you today! Parade at 3pm, 250th Community mosaic tile painting 4-5pm at the train station, 5-6pm screening of "Resolved to Live & Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia" at the Ratcliffe. And please stop by and see the newly painted caboose with the 1776 paint scheme.
Note: Museum will be closed 1:30-4:30 to assist with other activities throughout the Town, but opening back up at 5 for documentary, please join us then to cool down and learn more about our Revolutionary Roots!

06/28/2026

Starting this week through the end of 2026 we will be offering a $76 option on the 4X8 bricks and $176 option for the 8X8 bricks for the Ratcliffe Museum's Brick Garden. It is the perfect time to honor your Revolutionary War ancestors by placing a brick in their honor during the 250th. The 4x8 brick can have 3 lines of text and 8x8 up to 6 lines. But you are not limited to only Rev War ancestors, the special rate can be used for whatever type of brick you would like to place in the garden. Please consider this option for honoring or paying tribute to a special person in your life. And Happy 250th! Stop by or email to place your order, [email protected]