California State Railroad Museum Foundation
The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is a Sacramento-based nonprofit that supports the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, preserving 19 historic steam locomotives, operating excursion trains, and delivering educational programming for families, K-12 school groups, rail enthusiasts, and event clients.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersSacramento, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What California State Railroad Museum Foundation does
The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is the nonprofit cooperating organization that supports the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, California. The Foundation operates as a 501(c)-style nonprofit affiliated with California State Parks, raising and deploying funds to preserve, interpret, and program across a heritage rail complex that includes 19 historic steam locomotives, rolling stock from 1862-1950, the nation's largest railroad research library (over 1 million images and archival items), and the Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion line.
The organization's product surface spans admissions and on-site museum exhibits, 45-minute excursion train rides (coach and first-class), seasonal event programming (Polar Express, Golden Hour Express, Game Night at the Museum), facility rentals, educational K-12 programs including the Lemelson-MIT-affiliated Rail Innovation in Action, a retail gift store, and a research Library & Archives. Distribution is regional: physical sites in Old Sacramento and Jamestown, online ticketing through Etix, online digital exhibits, and a Constant Contact newsletter.
Revenue is generated through unit-priced admissions, train fares, membership subscriptions, donations, gift-store sales, and private-event/facility rentals, supplemented by episodic filming revenue and foundation grants. The Foundation's 11-50 employee base is supported by volunteers, with Smithsonian Affiliate status (since June 2017) and KultureCity certification (May 2025) reinforcing its brand and accessibility credentials.
California State Railroad Museum Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- California State Railroad Museum Foundation
- Legal name
- California State Railroad Museum Foundation
- Website
- https://californiarailroad.museum
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is a Sacramento-based nonprofit that supports the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, preserving 19 historic steam locomotives, operating excursion trains, and delivering educational programming for families, K-12 school groups, rail enthusiasts, and event clients.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
California State Railroad Museum Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Heritage railroad museum and cultural institution
- NAICS
- Museums (71211), Historical Sites (71212)
- akta.pro primary industry
- History Museums (THAJADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty) (BPAGAHAA), Tourist/Scenic/Heritage Passenger Rail Operators (TLAFADAG)
Keywords
Where California State Railroad Museum Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sacramento
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
California State Railroad Museum Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Museum Admissions: Revenue from general museum admission fees for visitors to the California State Railroad Museum.
- Excursion Train Rides: Revenue from 45-minute, 6-mile round trip excursion train rides along the Sacramento River on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, with coach and first-class options.
- Gift Store Sales: Retail sales of railroad-themed merchandise including clothing, toys, books, DVDs, and souvenirs.
- Membership Program: Annual membership program offering free admission, discounted train rides, and other benefits.
- Facility Rentals and Charters: Private event rentals of museum facilities, including the roundhouse, and charter train experiences.
- Donations and Foundation Support: Charitable donations from individuals and organizations supporting museum preservation and educational programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Museum admission - general |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Excursion Train - Coach Class |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Excursion Train - First Class |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Membership |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
California State Railroad Museum Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The California State Railroad Museum Foundation operates a railroad museum complex that displays 19 historic steam locomotives and extensive rolling stock, runs 45-minute excursion train rides along the Sacramento River on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, maintains the nation's largest railroad research library and archives, and provides educational programs, a museum gift store, and seasonal events. The Foundation is the nonprofit partner of both the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.
Product overview
The California State Railroad Museum Foundation supports a comprehensive museum complex offering multiple interconnected products and services. The core offerings include world-class physical exhibits featuring 19 historic steam locomotives and diverse rolling stock, alongside excursion train rides on the Sacramento Southern Railroad with both coach and premium first-class options. The museum provides digital exhibits for remote visitors, maintains the nation's largest railroad research Library & Archives, operates a retail store, and delivers educational programming including the Rail Innovation in Action student program. Special seasonal events like Polar Express Train Rides and facility rentals round out the portfolio, all united by a mission to collect, preserve, and share railroad heritage stories.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sacramento Southern Railroad: Historic railroad operating excursion train rides from Old Sacramento along the Sacramento River. Has been serving guests since 1984 with over one million guests having taken rides.
Products and services
- Excursion Train Rides (Sacramento Southern Railroad) 45-minute, 6-mile round trip historic excursion train rides along the Sacramento River aboard vintage railroad cars, departing from Old Sacramento Waterfront with coach and first-class seating options. Open to the general public on Fridays and weekends.
- Museum Exhibits World-class collection of restored locomotives, rolling stock, railroad artwork, and interactive exhibits showcasing railroad history, including the Chinese Railroad Workers' Experience, Golden Spike Exhibit Gallery, Small Wonders toy trains, and more. Open to the public daily.
- Library & Archives Research Services The nation's largest and most comprehensive railroad research facility, with over one million graphic images, books, corporate archives, and research materials covering the entire United States. Serves 5,000+ annual research requests.
- Museum Store Retail merchandise including clothing, kids and adults railway souvenirs, railroad china reproductions, BRIO and HAPE wooden trains, railroad books, DVDs, and Polar Express keepsakes. Operated on-site at the museum.
- Facility Rentals & Charters Private event rentals of museum facilities including the roundhouse, plus charter train experiences, for corporate functions, weddings, birthday parties, and other events.
- Rail Innovation in Action Educational program for high school students created in partnership with the Lemelson-MIT Program, where students conduct research and develop innovative solutions to real-world issues facing the rail industry.
- Polar Express Train Ride Seasonal holiday-themed train ride experience based on the popular children's book, offering special event tickets during the winter season.
- Special Events Program Various special events including the Golden Hour Express, Museum Market Mixer, Game Night at the Museum, and seasonal celebrations held throughout the year.
- Digital Exhibits Online virtual exhibits allowing remote access to railroad stories and history, including Black and African American Experience, The Gold Coast with Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg, The Solano Train Ferry, and the Chinese Workers' Experience.
- First Class Train Cars Premium excursion experience aboard elegant historic railcars including The El Dorado (1920s lounge car), The French Quarter (New Orleans-inspired lounge), and The Audubon Dining Car with John James Audubon bird illustrations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 500,000+ annual visitors
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use California State Railroad Museum Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
California State Railroad Museum Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
California State Railroad Museum Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor, flagship and core.
- Sojourner Truth African Heritage MuseummajorProject partner on community engagement initiatives resulting in a vibrant mural. Collaboration on the Black & African American Railroad Experience exhibit development.
- RabobankminorPresented Farm-to-Fork Cocktail Train Rides, supporting the Farm-to-Fork initiative with VIP cocktail train experiences.
- B Street TheatreminorPartnership for B Street & Brews at the Museum event combining theatre performances with museum experiences.
- Smithsonian InstitutionflagshipOfficial Smithsonian Affiliate since June 2017. The museum partnered with Smithsonian Digital Services to produce the Gold Coast virtual exhibit.
- California State ParkscoreThe museum operates as an official cooperating organization with California State Parks. The nonprofit Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the educational and interpretive programs of the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.
- Railtown 1897 State Historic ParkcoreThe Foundation is the nonprofit partner of both the Museum and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, CA. Railtown features 100-year-old Sierra Railroad Shops and offers excursion train rides.
- National Model Railroad Association (NMRA)majorPartnership with NMRA for 'The Magic of Scale Model Railroading' exhibit featuring model layouts and scale trains. NMRA is the oldest and largest scale model railroad organization in the world.
- California State University, Sacramento - Public History ProgrammajorGraduate students created the Farm-to-Fork exhibit examining the railroad's role in California agriculture. Partnership on student-designed exhibits through the Laboratory of Learning program.
- Lemelson-MIT ProgrammajorPartnership for Rail Innovation in Action program - an 8-week online interactive course for high school students to develop innovative solutions to real-world rail industry issues.
- Sacramento Public LibraryminorPartnership on two exhibits showcasing local artistry created by Parks and Tranquility grant awardees.
- Nevada State Railroad MuseummajorEquipment loan arrangement with the Nevada State Railroad Museum, including the V&T No. 21 J.W. Bowker and V&T No. 12 Genoa locomotives.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
California State Railroad Museum Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Smithsonian Institution: National museum and research complex that grants CSRM's Smithsonian Affiliate status and partners on digitized exhibits. Comparable as a broader institutional umbrella within the same cultural heritage and museum ecosystem.
Direct peers
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania: State-affiliated railroad museum in Strasburg, Pennsylvania with a large collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock. Closely comparable archival and exhibit mission to CSRM.
- Steamtown National Historic Site: National Park Service site in Scranton, Pennsylvania featuring one of the world's largest collections of steam locomotives and offering heritage excursion train rides. Comparable as a heritage railroad museum with operating rail rides.
- Travel Town Museum: Los Angeles-based transportation museum in Griffith Park with a collection of historic locomotives and rail cars, operated by the City of LA Department of Recreation and Parks. Comparable as a regional transportation heritage museum.
- National Railroad Museum: A nonprofit railroad museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin housing historic locomotives and rolling stock with a similar educational mission. Directly comparable as a peer heritage railroad museum with immersive exhibits and excursion operations.
- Strasburg Rail Road: The oldest continuously operating railroad in the western hemisphere (since 1832), offering heritage excursion rides along the Pennsylvania Railroad. Similar tourism-driven excursion business model to the Sacramento Southern Railroad.
- B&O Railroad Museum: Baltimore-based railroad museum affiliated with the Smithsonian and home to an extensive collection of historic locomotives, including the B&O No. 1 Atlantic. Shares the Smithsonian Affiliate status and heritage rail museum focus.
- Nevada State Railroad Museum: Nevada state-operated museum in Carson City with a comparable collection of historic locomotives (including equipment loaned to CSRM like V&T No. 21 J.W. Bowker). Shares the state-affiliated museum structure and heritage rail focus.
- Golden Spike National Historical Park: National Park Service site at Promontory Summit, Utah, commemorating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad. Comparable as a heritage railroad cultural institution tied to the same Transcontinental Railroad story CSRM highlights.
Others
- Heritage Rail Alliance: Industry trade association representing heritage and tourist railroads across North America. Comparable as an ecosystem peer reflecting the regulatory and operational community CSRM operates within.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
California State Railroad Museum Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceCalifornia State Railroad Museum Foundation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
California State Railroad Museum Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
California State Railroad Museum Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
California State Railroad Museum Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
California State Railroad Museum Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about California State Railroad Museum Foundation
What does California State Railroad Museum Foundation do?
The California State Railroad Museum Foundation operates a railroad museum complex that displays 19 historic steam locomotives and extensive rolling stock, runs 45-minute excursion train rides along the Sacramento River on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, maintains the nation's largest railroad research library and archives, and provides educational programs, a museum gift store, and seasonal events. The Foundation is the nonprofit partner of both the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.
Is California State Railroad Museum Foundation a public or private company?
California State Railroad Museum Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was California State Railroad Museum Foundation founded?
California State Railroad Museum Foundation was founded in 1981. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is California State Railroad Museum Foundation based?
California State Railroad Museum Foundation is headquartered in Sacramento, United States, in the North America region.
How does California State Railroad Museum Foundation make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Museum Admissions are the primary driver. The others are excursion Train Rides, gift Store Sales, membership Program, facility Rentals and Charters and donations and Foundation Support.
Who are California State Railroad Museum Foundation's main competitors?
Smithsonian Institution is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Steamtown National Historic Site, Travel Town Museum, National Railroad Museum, Strasburg Rail Road, B&O Railroad Museum, Nevada State Railroad Museum and Golden Spike National Historical Park. Heritage Rail Alliance is listed as an others.
Does California State Railroad Museum Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for California State Railroad Museum Foundation.
What industry is California State Railroad Museum Foundation in?
California State Railroad Museum Foundation's product category is Heritage railroad museum and cultural institution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJADAB, History Museums, with a secondary code of BPAGAHAA, Museums & Heritage Sites (History, Science, Specialty). Its NAICS code is 71211.