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Established in 1989, the NEW BUFFALO RAILROAD MUSEUM provides an historical record of the history of the area highlighting the significant role the railroad played in the development of the greater New Buffalo community. The Museum was built as part of the development and renovation of the vacated Pere Marquette Railroad Roundhouse property located on South Whittaker Street.
In the 1920s, the Pere Marquette Roundhouse was a major terminus connecting the rich trade area of Northern Michigan with the Chicago mercantile and shipping markets and served as the major employer for the residents of the New Buffalo area. The Pere Marquette Railroad later became the Chesapeake & Ohio line, then Chessie Systems, and now the CSX line. The Museum building is a replica of the original Pere Marquette Depot that existed near the site in the 1920s, when steam locomotives ruled the rails. The original plans were discovered by life-long New Buffalo area residents Nadra and Al Kissman and Ron and Rol Oselka and the building was built from those original blueprints by Alvin R. Kissman, Dave Ohms, and George Slechta.
Over the years, the Museum has played host to a variety of community events and services. Children’s activities were added to delight people of all ages. Thousands of visitors have enjoyed visiting the Museum and seeing its many exhibits and artifacts.
The programs, activities and daily operations of the Museum are under the guidance of the Board of Directors.
Important Milestones
1989 – Established in a custom-built replica of the Pere Marquette Railroad Depot
1990 – Outpouring of “founding” donations
1991 – Addition of a C & O Box Car; Creation of model train layout built to depict the village of New Buffalo in the 1920’s.
1995 – Addition of a Pullman World War II Troop Car, with interior displays and exhibit space.
1999 – Establishment of New Buffalo Railroad Museum Endowment Fund that generates interest to support operations, maintenance and repairs.
2019 – Addition of C&O Caboose.
Museum Board of Directors
The New Buffalo Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer organization. Each board member takes on a “working” role in addition to their governance responsibilities in order to ensure that any activity of the Museum is successful.
2024 Board Members
- Todd Van Buskirk, President
- Rich Knoll, Vice-President
- Katha Kissman, Secretary/Treasurer
- Therese Donnelly
- Sherri Kerhoulas
- Vanessa Holecek Thun
- Joan Putzke
Emeritus Board Members
- Jan Adamec
- Larry Bubb (deceased)
- Norma Cook
- Alice Drenten (deceased)
- Cookie Ferguson
- Ronald B. Ferguson (deceased)
- Judy Zabicki Handley
- Janet Hayes (deceased)
- Alvin R. Kissman
- Nadra D. Kissman
- Art Lamport (deceased)
- Vincent Lauricella (deceased)
- David Lubke (deceased)
- Karla Kissman Madison
- Rolland Oselka
- Ronald Oselka
- Susanne Lake
- Lori Peterson Schlundt
- Mary Lou Wattman
Original New Buffalo Railroad Museum Endowment Advisory Board
- A.J. Boggio
- Kim Clark
- Tom Gosh
- Judy Gosh
- Edward Lyons (deceased)
- Mike Hojnacki (deceased)
- Robert Hotovy
- Phyllis Kelly
- Ted Kerhoulas
- Ron Miller (deceased)
- Rolland Oselka
- Tom Ray (deceased)
- Chuck Ruth