American Freedom Train Exhibit

Many Americans remember the American Revolution Bicentennial which was observed throughout 1976.  During this year of America250, discover the Whippany Railway Museum’s newest exhibit, which shares the story and mementos related to the American Freedom Train (AFT) of 1975 – 1976.  This  steam-powered, 26-car train – which was conceived by New Jersey resident Ross Roland Jr. – was a traveling Bicentennial exhibition that carried more than 500 pieces of Americana,  including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten draft of the Articles of Confederation, the original Louisiana Purchase, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s robes and Bible, Judy Garland’s dress and ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and a lunar rover.  During its 25,000 mile, 21-month journey, the train visited 138 cities in all 48 contiguous states and was viewed by more than 7 million Americans. 

The AFT made a display stop at Morristown, NJ at the Mennen Sports arena from July 23-25, 1976, where thousands lined up each day to see the train and its historic contents. .

Tracking Freedom: The 1975–1976 American Freedom Train.

• The Vision:
  • Conceived by New Jersey resident and New York businessman Ross Rowland Jr. to celebrate the United States Bicentennial.
  • Run by a private, non-profit foundation funded entirely by corporate donations, ticket and souvenir sales.
  • Designed to bring American history directly to the people, bypassing major metropolitan hubs to reach smaller communities.
• The Journey:
  • Toured all 48 contiguous states over a 21-month period from April 1, 1975, to December 31, 1976.
  • Traveled over 25,000 miles of track and stopped in 138 cities and towns.
  • Visited Morristown, NJ (Mennen Sports Arena) on July 23-25, 1976.
  • Attracted more than 7 million ticketed visitors, with an estimated 40 million people viewing the train along the tracks.
• The Rolling Museum:
  • Composed of 26 cars, including 10 specially designed exhibition cars.
  • Featured a moving walkway that carried visitors past 500+ historical artifacts.
  • Displayed national treasures including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the Lunar Rover, and Judy Garland’s dress and ruby slippers, from ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
• The Locomotives:
  • Pulled primarily by steam locomotives to celebrate America’s rich industrial and railroad heritage.
  • Reading 2101: A T-1 class locomotive that pulled the train through the East and Midwest.
  • Southern Pacific 4449: A massive GS-4 “Daylight” locomotive that pulled the train through the West and South.
  • Texas & Pacific 610: A powerful Lima-built 2-10-4 locomotive that pulled the train through Texas.

Come to the Museum to see this historic display before it’s too late.  The Whippany Railway Museum is open Sundays only, April through mid-October, 12 Noon to 4PM.