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Help Us Rebuild Maine History. Donations Appreciated!
Railroad preservation exists only because of the generosity of others. Donations small and large are needed to rebuild Maine history in the Sheepscot Valley.
Dear Members, Friends & Supporters of the WW&F Railway Museum
It is that time again, our Annual Fund Drive. This is the time we focus our funding efforts into some capital improvement projects and purchases. This year, our ask is a little different. I will get to that in a minute. Last year we asked for $128,000.00 and received over $133,000.00, again surpassing our goal. The Board of Directors has yet to set an amount for the Fund Drive that has not been met. Our supporters always come though.
This year, we are kicking off funding for our southward expansion, what we call the Southern Gateway. We have a large amount of the fund drive going to this project, because the first portion is a road crossing, followed by a wet area we need to build up. More about that project can be found in the Nov/Dec 2026 Newsletter and online at https://wwfry.org/southern-gateway/
Next, we have taken on a mortgage to purchase what will eventually become the South Alna Station lot. This is 2 miles south of Sheepscot, and our eventual plan is to start all trains there in a purpose built location with ample parking. More to come in the September/October 2026 Newsletter.
Another Fund Drive line item is heat for the shop. We are going Propane. We have been heating the main part of the Shop and Engine house with coal, which means someone has to tend the stoves at least once a day. These also produce a lot of ash, which adds up relatively quickly. In the long run, heating with propane will be cheaper, but getting set up takes some funding.
The other unfamiliar item is Campus Electrical. This is a continuation of our buried utilities project. This amount will not complete it, but help continue it as time allows. And one more new item to our fund drive list: Coach 3. We are planning to rebuild Coach 3, and this will help start the project.
The projects we intend for this year’s Annual Fund Drive are:
| $65,000 | For the Southern Gateway |
| $30,000 | Mortgage payment for South Alna Station lot |
| $14,000 | Shop Heat |
| $11,000 | Locomotive no. 11 |
| $3,000 | Campus Electrical |
| $3,000 | Coach 3 |
| $126,000 | Total Requested for 2026 |
In years past, any overage from the Fund Drive went to projects listed in the fund drive, or projects the BOD directed the extra funds to. This year, we made the decision to save some for our future. We are building the Museum to last, and that includes the funds to go with it. So anything above the above total will be put into our Reserves account. We would like an additional $14,000.00 as part of this stretch goal.
That brings the total to $140,000.00 including the stretch. It would equal the largest amount we have ever raised if we pull it off. Remember, every little bit helps.
Please be generous with your contributions. Your annual support lets the museum continue to improve the WW&F Railway. You may mail you tax-deductible donation, along with the enclosed slip with your name and address in the enclosed envelope. You can also send your contribution online via https://wwfry.org/donate with multiple ways to do so.
On behalf of your Board of Directors,
Thank You.
Mike Fox
President, WW&F Ry.
Pictured are just some of the projects either completed or progressed thanks to the 2025 Annual Fund Drive. Our progress is a testament to the generosity of our friends and supporters.
Support the Mission of the WW&F Railway Museum
This form allows you to specify exactly which of our many projects and programs you would like to support. Funds not earmarked to a specific project will be applied to the most pressing need as determined by the museum’s Board of Directors.
Donation Processing Fees
We use Zeffy as our fundraising and ticketing platform because the fee that is collected from the donor (or ticket buyer) is completely optional. If you do not want to assist Zeffy’s mission in providing this service to the WW&F (and other great non-profits) select: “Other”…
Then enter whatever you think a reasonable fee is for credit card processing, web hosting, etc. $0 is completely valid (and it does not affect your intended donation or the WW&F in any way.) In this way, the WW&F receives the entire intended donation, and processing fees can be covered by the donor – if you so choose.
Mail a Check
Donations to the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum will be gladly received at:
PO Box 242, Alna, ME 04535
This mailbox is checked regularly and donors acknowledged promptly.
Donate via PayPal
For those who would prefer to use PayPal to make a donation, please click here:
Support a Campaign
Beyond our regular fundraising to our members, we sometimes encourage our friends and followers to contribute to major efforts that may be of interest to the wider preservation community. This includes our current initiatives to Build Locomotive #11 and Finish Coach 9 to the Nines.
Current Fundraising Needs & Restricted Funds
When contributing on this special form, you may indicate how you would prefer your donation to be used. Alternatively, you can earmark your donation by emailing your intentions to treasurer@wwfry.org.
These funds have been established by donors for specific needs and improvements to the railway.
Artifacts & Rolling Stock
- Archives: Purchase and maintenance of WW&F Railway Artifacts.
- Coach #9: Construction and Maintenance.
- Locomotive #10: Restoration and Maintenance.
- Locomotive #11: Construction and Maintenance.
- Locomotive #53: Re-gauging, Restoration, & Maintenance.
- Non-Revenue Rolling Stock: Restoration & Maintenance.
- Vacuum Brakes: Development and Installation.
- Track Maintenance Mechanization & Equipment.
- Tamper Repairs and Restoration.
- Taconnet Coach Construction.
Buildings & Grounds
- Sheepscot Station & Campus Improvements.
- Signage for Exhibits.
- ADA Improvements.
- AED/Safety Fund.
- Frederick and Sharron Morse Engine House.
- Archives Building and Museum Exhibit Hall.
- Alna Center Station and Pavilion Improvements.
- Top of Mountain Station Improvements.
- Shingle Mill/Saw Mill Building at Top of Mountain.
Future Growth & Sustainability
- Contract Labor: For increased availability of key volunteers.
- Acquisition of Right-of-way.
- Extension of Mainline Trackage.
- Cash Reserves/Savings.
- Long Term Opportunities Fund.
- Paydown of Mortgages.
- Endowment.
To contribute to one of these specific funds or projects, please click the button above and indicate where you would like to direct your contribution.
Donations that are not earmarked will be deposited into the museum’s general fund and spent at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
More Ways to Help
Give Money when Shopping ANYWHERE Online!
Virtually ALL e-commerce sites (including travel sites, large retailers, coupon purveyors, and smaller shops) will make donations to the charity of your choice, IF you use a “shopping portal.” These websites share the commission they receive on your purchase back with the WW&F.
All you have to do is start your shopping at one of the following shopping portals:
It doesn’t cost any extra, and it’s a simple way to help the causes you love. Just be sure to always start at iGive or Goodshop so that your purchase is credited correctly.
Sell Stuff on eBay
https://charity.ebay.com/help/seller
The WW&F is registered as a non-profit on eBay, and can receive donations from listings. eBay sellers may select the WW&F as the non-profit of their choice, and they can donate 10 to 100% of the sale to the museum. If you have plans to sell anything on eBay, please consider selecting the WW&F as the Organization you would like to give to.
Other Ways to Help
Here are some more ideas of ways you can be a part of the WW&F’s mission.
- Become a Member – Most importantly, we encourage you to become a member. We are owned and operated by our membership. We currently have about 1300 members world-wide. Please see details about becoming a member.
- Volunteer – Actually work on a railroad. From track crew to groundskeepers to gift shop to tour guides, we need your help. We always need skilled craftsmen (machinists, woodworkers, engineers, etc.) If you’re interested, just show up on an operating day, or a volunteer work day (see the calendar) and we’ll find something for you to do. Opportunities exist to help “off-site” especially in web design, social media, marketing, grant-writing, etc.) Please see the Volunteer page for more information.
- Tell Others About Us – If you like what we are doing, be sure to “like” us on Facebook. We also appreciate fresh reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, and Yelp. These small things have enormous impact on informing others about the Museum’s efforts.
- Shop for Us – Charity shopping portals will donate a percentage of your online purchases to the organization of your choice – and it doesn’t cost anything additional. We’re listed on GoodShop, and iGive. Start your purchases there, then shop wherever you like, and a small donation will automatically be sent to the Museum.
- Rail – We are always looking for sources of 56 or 60 pound rail. A single used, relay-quality rail costs around $350. 60 pound rail is about 4.25″ tall x 4.25″ at the base of the web; 56 pound is 4″ at the base. Anything larger we can not use (anything smaller may be of use.)
- Ties – Can’t have rail without ties. Minimum size is 5′ long, in good shape. New ties are around $50; used are around $20 each.
- Memorabilia – If you have any 2-foot or WW&F history you wish to share, come on down! This includes photos, stories, and even pieces of equipment.
- Donations -Visit the Donations page to give directly or consider participating in either the Build 11 or Coach 9 campaigns.
- Right of Way – Do you own any of the original WW&F’s railroad right-of-way, and would like us to have it? Come talk to us!
- Endowment – Please think of us during your estate planning. Our endowment is professionally invested through the Maine Community Foundation.
The Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum is a 501c3 charitable organization.
Tax EIN: 01-0448408.
All donations will be acknowledged for tax purposes.