Photo submitted to the Times Observer This photo shows the front of the Sheffield, PA train station.

All aboard for a day of history, locomotives, and hands-on discovery at the Sheffield Heritage Museum on Saturday, May 17.

The museum will host a special open house in celebration of National Train Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.at 75 Center St., Sheffield.

Housed in the historic train depot built in 1880, the museum has seen significant restoration and development since 2006, when the Sheffield Depot Preservation Society formed a nonprofit educational organization and purchased the property from the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railroad, a division of Genesee & Wyoming Railroad.

Thanks to years of dedication from volunteers and supporters, the building now serves as a living monument to the region’s rich industrial and railroad past.

“This year’s National Train Day celebration features an exciting lineup of exhibits and attractions, including: A brand new G-scale model train layout sure to captivate train enthusiasts of all ages, a locally crafted engine built by Havens & Mainwaring Co. of Sheffield, Pa., a detailed Big Boy scale model engine built by Don Fullerton, a working model of a Star Drilling Rig, used in the area’s early oil and gas industry,vintage tools and equipment from the Sheffield Shoe Hospital and a fully restored Fairmont Maintenance of Way (Speeder) train car once used for railroad track maintenance.” said the Sheffield Depot Preservation Society

Admission to the open house is free, and donations are welcome to support the continued preservation of the local landmark. Organizers encourage families to attend, noting that children of all ages are welcome to explore and interact with the exhibits.

In addition to the events at the Sheffield Heritage Museum, the nearby Tionesta Valley Railway Museum, located just down the block at 65 Center St., will also be open for tours during the day.

National Train Day is observed annually to celebrate the role of railroads in shaping the nation’s history and to spark interest in the continued importance of trains in both transportation and culture. For more information, follow the Sheffield Depot Preservation Society on social media or stop by during the open house for a closer look at the heart of Sheffield’s railway heritage.