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Delaware Railroad Museums: A Complete Guide

Published: April 17, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Delaware, the second smallest state in the United States, brims with historical charm, especially when it comes to its rich railroad heritage. The First State has several key sites that offer fascinating insights into the evolution of rail transportation in America. In this guide, we will explore Delaware's prominent railroad museums and attractions, delve into what makes them unique, and provide tips for making the most of your visit.

Felton Railroad Station

This museum is maintained by the Felton Community Historical Society inside the town's preserved, single-story brick depot that was completed around 1868 by the Delaware Railroad, a future component of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was added the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 1981 and trains to continue to rumble past the building today. Its opening hours are unknown.

Harrington Railroad Museum

This museum, led by the Harrington Historical Society, is located in Harrington, in the south-central part of the state along the former PRR's Delmarva Peninsula Lines. The term Delmarva is a combination of state names Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia which occupy the peninsula immediately east of the Chesapeake Bay.

Mike Schafer and Brian Solomon's book, "Pennsylvania Railroad," notes that PRR's then-Vice President, A.J. Cassatt (who was later famous for landing the railroad in downtown Manhattan and constructing the breathtaking Pennsylvania Station) conceived the idea of forming the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad.

Its purpose was to control or construct all rail lines along the peninsula to serve agricultural interests, seafood companies, and the naval/commercial port of Norfolk, Virginia.

The task was largely complete by 1884 and the NYP&N was merged into the PRR during the 1920's. The preserved interlocking tower in Harrington, the heart of the museum complex, was opened in 1920. Also be sure and visit a preserved PRR caboose on display.

Rail Road Station Museum

Located in Selbyville and within the town's small restored depot (opened in 2005), the museum preserves the areas railroad history through a collection of photos, documents, historic items, and even a small layout.

The town was originally served by the Breakwater & Frankford Railroad, which completed a line to the town in 1872.  It later became part of the Delaware, Maryland & Virginia Railroad, a Pennsylvania Railroad subsidiary.

The PRR was the only major Class 1 to serve the Delmarva Peninsula and continued to do so until the Penn Central era.  Today, much of its former lines in this region are now abandoned.

Harrington Tower Railroad Museum

Located within the town's restored Pennsylvania Railroad interlocking tower, which protected two of the railroad's lines; its main line along the Delmarva Peninsula and its long branch to Rehoboth.  The museum is operated by the Harrington Historical Society.

Along with containing a number of historic items it also maintains an original PRR caboose, protected under a small shed.