Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, the Kentucky Railway Museum received 289,000 for the Kentucky Club Car Project.
The monies will restore a unique, classic rail club car built in 1926. Upon completion the car will be used for KRM excursions, including to the new Log Still Distillery.
KRM Executive Director and Board President Greg Mathews shared more details on the importance of the restoration.
“On behalf of the Kentucky Railway Museum Inc. (KRM) and New Haven, Kentucky, the headquarters of KRM, I am pleased that we have the opportunity with this TAP grant to preserve and restore the historic former Louisville and Nashville Tavern Lounge Car ‘The Kentucky Club.’”
He continued: “The Club along with its sister cars, The Tennessee Club and Alabama Club, traveled the rails of the L&N railroad on their premier trains for many years. Bringing this car back to life and functioning will be a boon and asset for the museum, City of New Haven, Nelson County, the commonwealth and for KRM’s partner of Log Still Distillery and the Dant Family. It will entertain the public and serve as a tourist magnet and a strong economic development tool showcasing the museum, bourbon industry and more. We can’t wait to get the car done and back in service on the rails of Kentucky!”
Kentucky Railway Museum is a 501©3, non-profit organization chartered in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for the purpose of education of the public regarding the history and heritage of Kentucky’s railroads and the people who built them, through the acquisition, restoration, preservation, display and operation of the rail equipment and artifacts. You can find all of the information about this organization at www.kyrail.org.