Heritage train station will become part of Burlington museum system

Freeman Station will continue to operate as a train museum and possibly take on a greater role in serving the community now that it will come under the control of the City of Burlington.

The 118-year-old train station at 1285 Fairview Street faced an uncertain future when it was announced earlier this year that a volunteer group could no longer operate the facility. But the city has stepped in to assume responsibility and will put it under the umbrella of Museums of Burlington which already operates Ireland House and Josephy Brant Museum.

“I’m pleased this was supported unanimously by council,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “We operate museums to tell our stories of Burlington – stories only we can and will tell. We invest in our museums as part of our community memory and heritage.”

Built in 1906 as part of the Grand Truck Railway system, Freeman Station has been operated by local volunteers for the past 13 years but a lack of resources and declining membership prompted the caretakers to ask the city to take over.

The station has been operating as a train museum and features a model train diorama, artifacts, a caboose, and a boxcar.

Already the owners of the museum, Burlington will assume responsibility for the operations of the building and grounds by the end of this year. However, how the station will be put to use in the long run still has to be determined but the city is looking at ways to make it more viable to attract visitors.

A detailed report on the costs of maintaining the station and possible cost-effective uses is expected to be presented in September.

In its early days, the station was considered part of a vital transportation link for surrounding communities and assisted in the area’s development through the shipping of fruits and vegetables produced by local farmers.

By 1988 the station was of no further use to the railways and was slated for destruction until a grassroots campaign saved the building. After relocations and renovations, it has been run by volunteers known as Friend of Freeman Station (FOFS) as a railway museum and community meeting space.

“Over many years, volunteers found a location, built the foundation, restored the inside, collected artifacts and opened the doors for the community to learn more about our rail history,” said Meed Ward. “Volunteers have been operating the station for us, and now they’re asking us to take back what the City already owns, adding it back to our family of museums.”