Despite Challenges, Shore Line Trolley Museum Had A 'Remarkable' Year

BRANFORD/EAST HAVEN, CT —Operated by the Branford Electric Railway Association, the East Haven-based Shore Line Trolley Museum had a good year, remarkable even, its executive director John Proto shared.

Proto cited the "unwavering support and dedication of our members, volunteers, and community," as the reason.

Here's Proto's year-end wrap-up, where he notes "with immense pride and gratitude," all the progress and accomplishments achieved:

**Celebrating Successes:**
This year has been marked by numerous successes, showcasing the resilience and dedication of our museum. Despite facing challenges such as delays in FEMA reimbursement, we have successfully completed three more trolley cars to service this year, with four more in progress. The completion of the final design for water, sewer, and fire suppression, albeit facing unexpected red tape, signifies our commitment to ensuring a safe and modernized experience for our visitors.

Our archive digitization project, though more intricate than anticipated, has been overcome with the addition of a new volunteer archivist, a revitalized collections committee, and improvements in our physical file areas. The Board of Trustees has also approved a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, focusing on modernization, campus upgrades, and succession planning for our executive staff.

**Grants and Initiatives:**
Excitingly, we secured a $486,000 "Good to Great" program grant from the State of Connecticut to help eliminate accessibility barriers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our Museum in Motion. Additionally, our "Run on the Sun" feasibility study aims to power our trolleys and buildings with solar energy, providing electric vehicle owners with charging opportunities during their visit. Collaborations with organizations such as the US Geological Service, the Sound School of New Haven, and the University of CT further our commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change research.

**Community Engagement and Expansion:**
Our community engagement efforts have flourished, with over 40 new volunteers joining us in various capacities. Record numbers of school groups, a successful regular operating season through the CT Summer at the Museum grant program, and engaging initiatives like Tuesday Storytime have broadened our audience and solidified our position as a critical community resource.

Discussions are underway for an on-site day camp in collaboration with the Eli Whitney Museum, demonstrating our commitment to education and outreach. "Giving Back Wednesdays" have allowed local non-profit organizations to host fundraising events on our grounds, fostering a sense of community and shared prosperity.

**Your Continued Support:**
All these achievements underscore the transformation of our museum from a "hidden gem" to a vital community resource. Your continued support has been instrumental in this journey, and I invite you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to our year-end appeal. You can contribute by check, credit card, or ACH bank draft. Additionally, an IRA distribution or stock transfer can maximize the impact of your gift.

If you are curious about employer matching programs, find out here or check with your employer to see if they match donations, volunteer hours, or both. Every contribution, regardless of size, contributes significantly to our continued success and growth.

I have already made my donation, and I hope you will join me in supporting the Shore Line Trolley Museum as we embark on an exciting new chapter. Your generosity is a driving force behind our achievements, and we look forward to achieving even greater milestones with your continued partnership. If you've already made your donation, thank you.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

Sincerely,

John