About The Shore Line Trolley Museum

Welcome to The Shore Line Trolley Museum, where history comes to life on the rails! Founded in 1945, we are proud to be the oldest continuously operating suburban trolley line in the United States, preserving and celebrating the rich history of trolley transportation.

Located in East Haven, Connecticut, our museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the golden age of electric-powered public transit. Our historic trolley cars, beautifully restored and operational, take visitors on scenic rides through the picturesque Farm River Estuary. The museum is also home to the Branford Electric Railway, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Our Mission

At The Shore Line Trolley Museum, our mission is to preserve, restore, and educate. We are dedicated to safeguarding the history of trolley transportation, restoring vintage trolley cars, and offering educational programs that inspire and inform visitors of all ages. By preserving this piece of history, we connect the past to the present, ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate this once-thriving mode of transportation.

What We Offer

  • Trolley Rides: Experience a ride on our vintage trolley cars, just as passengers did in the early 1900s.
  • Hands-On Exhibits: Learn about the history and technology of trolleys and electric-powered transit in our interactive exhibit areas.
  • Seasonal Events: Enjoy family-friendly seasonal activities like the Pumpkin Patch Trolley Rides in the fall and our popular Santa’s Trolley Winter Wonderland in December.
  • Educational Programs: Perfect for school groups and families, our programs dive into the significance of trolley transportation and environmental stewardship.

A Living Museum

The Shore Line Trolley Museum is more than just a museum—it’s a living, breathing piece of history. With the help of our passionate volunteers and supporters, we continue to restore and operate historic trolleys, keeping this vital part of America’s past alive. Every ticket purchased and every donation made directly supports the preservation of these unique artifacts.

Join Us on the Journey!

We invite you to explore the history of transportation in a way that few museums can offer. Whether you're riding our trolleys, attending one of our special events, or exploring our exhibits, your visit to The Shore Line Trolley Museum will be one you won’t forget.

Thank you for supporting our mission to keep history on track!

Visit Us Today at shorelinetrolley.org to

 – Learn more about our Museum in Motion
 – Plan your visit and ride the trolleys!