The Depot Railroad Museum

The Depot Railroad Museum Located in the heart of Salem, Indiana, the Depot Railroad Museum brings the stories of the railroad's past back to life.

Step back in time in our beloved railroad museum and enjoy our local railroad history.

The Heart of the Depot: Our Incredible Volunteers ❤️🚂Behind every train that rolls along the tracks, every story shared ...
08/31/2026

The Heart of the Depot: Our Incredible Volunteers ❤️🚂

Behind every train that rolls along the tracks, every story shared with a visitor, and every piece of history brought to life, there is an incredible group of volunteers who give their time, knowledge, and passion to the Depot.
At 92 years young, Jim Smoak continues to come to the Depot to operate the model trains and bring joy to visitors of all ages. His dedication is truly inspiring and is a wonderful reminder that a passion for history never gets old.
Lee Wheeler, a former L&N Railroad employee, brings a lifetime of railroad experience and knowledge to the Depot. His connection to the railroad industry helps preserve and share the stories of a time when the railroad was the heartbeat of communities across our region.
Mike Flaugher, a former technician for the Federal Aviation Administration, brings his technical knowledge and expertise to our beloved model train layout. Mike not only helps keep the trains running, but he has played an important role in ensuring the new technology upgrade to the layout becomes a reality.
Our visitors are also welcomed and guided through history by our incredible Depot volunteer tour guides, Gary Schaar and Jamie Stewart. Their passion for local history and willingness to share the stories of the Depot help make every visit a memorable experience.
These volunteers represent something truly special. They give their time, their talents, their knowledge, and their hearts to preserve the history of our community.
The Depot would not be what it is today without dedicated volunteers like Jim, Lee, Mike, Gary, and Jamie.
They are more than volunteers ❤️ they are the heart, soul, and living history of the Depot.




08/30/2026

🚂 A Labor of Love — Still Rolling After 20+ Years! 🚂
For more than 20 years, the beloved HO Scale Model Train Layout at the Depot has been a favorite of visitors young and old. What began as a labor of love created by a group of dedicated volunteers has continued to operate through the years thanks to the passion, time, and commitment of volunteers who keep the trains rolling today.
Now, after two decades of operation, this treasured piece of the Depot is finally getting a long-overdue upgrade! 🎉
Thanks to a generous $5,000 grant from the Washington County Community Foundation, we are excited improve the HO Scale Model Train Layout and help preserve it for generations to come.
This layout isn't just trains and tracks — it's a piece of the Depot's history, built by volunteers, maintained by volunteers, and enjoyed by countless visitors over the years.
We are incredibly grateful to the Washington County Community Foundation for helping us give this special exhibit the attention it deserves. And, as always, a huge THANK YOU to the volunteers who have kept these trains running for more than 20 years! ❤️🚂
The trains are still rolling… and now they're getting ready for an exciting new chapter!

The Train Order HoopBefore radios and modern communication, railroad crews depended on train order hoops to receive impo...
08/22/2026

The Train Order Hoop

Before radios and modern communication, railroad crews depended on train order hoops to receive important instructions while their train was still moving.

A railroad operator would place the written order into the hoop, and a crew member could reach out and sn**ch it as the train passed by—no stopping required!

That simple hoop helped keep trains moving safely and efficiently.

Photo courtesy of the Louisville & Nashville Railfan page

🚂A New Chapter for Monon Caboose No. 81402🚂For decades, the 1929 Monon Caboose No. 81402 has been a beloved piece of rai...
08/22/2026

🚂A New Chapter for Monon Caboose No. 81402🚂

For decades, the 1929 Monon Caboose No. 81402 has been a beloved piece of railroad history here at the Depot Railroad Museum. Now, thanks to an incredible restoration effort, this historic Caboose is ready to begin a new chapter.

Through a Heritage Support Grant of $50,000 from the Indiana Historical Society, along with a $7,500 match raised through the generosity of our donors, restoration work has been underway on our 1929 Monon Caboose No. 81402.

Greg Suvak, along with other skilled contractors including Roger Pennington, has worked tirelessly to bring this Caboose back to life.
The restoration has included:
New Siding
Repaired Cupola
Repaired Windows
New Reinforced Stairs
A Brand-New Concrete Platform
Fresh Paint inside and out
New Monon Decals Beautifully applied by Zink Signs
and much more!

This was not accomplished by one person. It took Grants, Donations, Volunteers, Historical Society Employees, Contractors and people who believe history is worth saving.

Join us during Old Settlers Day Weekend, October 3rd & 4th at the Depot Railroad Museum as we celebrate and unveil the newly restored look of Monon Caboose No. 81402!

Come see the caboose, walk inside, and experience a little piece of the railroad history that once rolled through our community.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this restoration possible. Thank you for believing in the importance of preserving the past.

Depot Volunteer Jim Smoak has his very own outdoor G Scale layout. He has worked on his layout for over 20 years.
08/20/2026

Depot Volunteer Jim Smoak has his very own outdoor G Scale layout. He has worked on his layout for over 20 years.

There was a time when the Monon wasn't simply a railroad, it was a way of life!
08/13/2026

There was a time when the Monon wasn't simply a railroad, it was a way of life!

A.H. Alberding Salem's Station AgentA.H. Alberding born August Hendrick Alberding in February 1872 became a familiar fac...
08/07/2026

A.H. Alberding Salem's Station Agent

A.H. Alberding born August Hendrick Alberding in February 1872 became a familiar face and important figure in Salem when it came to the railroad. He, his wife Hulda, and their children lived on North Main Street in Salem.

As the Station Agent of the Salem depot from 1903 to 1930, Alberding held an important position in the operations of the depot. He handled railroad business, communicated with the crew and oversaw freight and passenger matters among many other things.

Alberding passed away November 30, 1945, and is buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem.

Today, the story of A. H. Alberding comes alive through the artifacts that once belonged to him. The Depot Railroad Museum is fortunate to have quite a few personal and railroad-related items belonging to Mr. Alberding on display here at the Depot.

These artifacts provide visitors with a rare opportunity to see and connect with objects that were actually part of the life of a Salem Station Agent. They are more than simply old railroad objects; they are pieces of Alberding's story and tangible reminders of the men who kept Salem's railroad moving.

Behind every mile of track, every passing train, and every whistle echoing through the countryside were the men who made...
08/06/2026

Behind every mile of track, every passing train, and every whistle echoing through the countryside were the men who made the Monon Railroad come alive. The engineers, conductors, brakemen, firemen, track crews, shop workers, and countless employees were more than railroad workers, they were the heartbeat of the Monon.

Through long hours, harsh weather, and demanding conditions, they kept America moving. They carried freight, delivered passengers, maintained the rails, and protected the communities along the route. Their dedication built a legacy that continues to live on today. Thank you to the Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society for these photos.


Click on the photos for information

There was a time when the whistle of a train would echo in Salem, and the Depot sat on South Main Street. As the years p...
08/01/2026

There was a time when the whistle of a train would echo in Salem, and the Depot sat on South Main Street.
As the years passed, the Depot disappeared, trains stopped coming and the tracks grew quiet. All that remains are memories carried by those who remember it and stories passed down through generations.

Time has a way of changing everything. Buildings fade, landscape evolves and familiar places become photographs and cherished recollections.

Address

206 S College Avenue
Salem, IN
47167

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(812) 883-1884

Website

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