The Friends of East Troy Railroad Museum, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation working to secure the future of the East Troy line. It was formed in 1975 to assist in the development of the Museum.  It purchased the actual railroad property from the Village of East Troy in January, 1995 and licenses the operations to Wisconsin Trolley Museum, Inc., a operating corporation owned by Friends.

Friends is engaged in a long-term fundraising campaign designed to allow it to:

• purchase the railroad from the past owner, the Village of East Troy, which was done in January, 1995;
• purchase the remaining privately-owned equipment on the line, which was completed in Fall, 2000;
• assume the operation of the line, Winter, 2000-1;
• construct a new Museum Center capable of comfortably and efficiently presenting the Museum to a larger number of guests, a process that is currently underway; and
• guarantee the continued existence of this historic piece of railroad and electrification heritage.

Please see the special message from the President of Friends, John Tews, announcing the agreement to purchase the collection.

The target of the fundraising campaign is $800,000. To date, over $500,000 has been raised. The success of this campaign will permit Friends to achieve its primary mission of ensuring the continued operation of the last electric railroad in Wisconsin.

Inquiries regarding the campaign can be made at 262-642-3263 or via post to PO Box 943, East Troy, WI  53120-0943.

Individual annual memberships are $35, with other options available.  See Membership, or print and fill out the Membership Application and join today in supporting rail heritage preservation

Naming opportunities are offered for the various railcars.  Please inquire if you would like to help in this way with the preservation of the railroad.

The Mission Statement of
Friends of East Troy Railroad Museum, Inc.

1. To preserve and operate the electric railway line between the villages of East Troy and Mukwonago, Wisconsin as a living example of a traditional trolley and interurban line.

2. To preserve, construct, acquire, and restore appropriate facilities, rolling stock, and equipment for the operation and demonstration of the electric railway between East Troy and Mukwonago, Wisconsin in a manner representative of the traditional electric trolley and interurban railways.

3. To provide a family-oriented, educational and historical environment for the general public to experience the impact and importance of this form of transportation in everyday life in rural and urban America. This will be conveyed by showcasing artifacts, developing interpretive exhibits and materials, and holding special events.

4. To provide the means for visitors to recognize and understand the importance of electric trolley and interurban railways to the social and economic development of this region, and the inception of associated utilities, services, and industries.

5. To provide for the stable and continuing long-term availability of financial resources for the preservation and restoration of the Corporation's assets, including the electric railway, rolling stock, facilities, equipment, exhibits, and visitor amenities through admissions, fares, sales revenues, grants, and an endowment.

Adopted by the Board of Directors, September, 1991, and revised June, 1996.

The Friends Board of Directors is comprised of individuals from widely varying backgrounds ranging from utility management to the railroad industry to finance to line volunteers.   The officers are:
President:  Richard Cecil
Vice-President: Rick Volkmann
Secretary:  Bernard Van Dinter
Treasurer: Frank Manzo

The directors are, arranged in length of service:
Robert Stankovsky
Rick Volkmann
Frank Manzo
Bernard Van Dinter
John Tews
Rudolph Puerzer
Richard Cecil
Dr. James Loftus

Individuals who believe they can contribute by becoming Directors and are willing to share the work of preserving the East Troy Railroad are encouraged to contact the Board.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.  We can be reached through the PO Box 943, East Troy, WI 53120-0943, or by phone at 262-642-3263.