ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Vandals recently targeted two historic trolleys at the National Museum of Transportation, causing tens of thousands in damages.
Officials report that the vandalism happened around 6 a.m. on Jan. 10. Two trolleys that are used to provide rides for guests during the museum’s operating season were defaced.
Those two trolleys have been preserved for several decades: The 1914 St. Louis Waterworks Railway #10 and the 1947 Southern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority #2740
“We are heartbroken by this careless, selfish, and senseless act,” stated Terri McEachern, Executive Director for the museum. “Our volunteers work extremely hard to restore these priceless artifacts and return them to operating conditions for our guests to enjoy.”
Museum officials are working closely with St. Louis County police to investigate the vandalism. Authorities have received surveillance photos from the incident.
Nearly two weeks later, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. Anyone with relevant information should contact St. Louis County Detective Calvin McClain at 314-615-0716.
“We take vandalism to our artifacts seriously and will prosecute those who damage our collection to the fullest extent of the law,” said Dr. Darryl Ross, President of the Museum’s Board of Directors. “Not only did they damage our artifacts, they spray painted our security cameras. Fortunately, the photos we needed were already captured.”
Since the museum is a nonprofit, it doesn’t receive government funding and relies on community donations. For anyone interested in donating or learning more about the museum, click here.