The Greenfield Energy Park was constructed at the site of the former town train station. Therefore, information about the railroad and its impact on this region is a focal point of several park transportation exhibits. It is open during events and by request.
The Town of Greenfield and NESEA found an original 1944 New Haven caboose in good condition, but it needed a lot of "elbow grease." With much community support (financially and hands-on help), renovations were completed and the museum opened May 2001. Visitors find an excellent example of the workspace inside an active caboose as it would have looked in the mid-1940's. Many original features are showcased in one-half of the caboose including: a pot-bellied stove, the fusee & torpedo box, a large oil can used at the station, and the brakeman's desk. The other half is a gallery of vintage photos, models, and ephemera. The display includes four signaling lanterns as well as the original gaslight that hung from the 1881 Greenfield Train Station! High up in the cupola, a uniformed brakeman sits watching the world go by as he checks for problems on the rails.
The museum is sited within the confines of the Park and features a permanent exhibit: "Transportation Innovations: Changing our Communities and Changing our Lives." The Massachusetts Foundation provided funding through a grant award for the Humanities and private donors. The Caboose is open Mon.-Fri. 9:00-5:00 Spring-Fall. Also, by appointment or by chance.
Children welcome the arrival of the 1944 authentic caboose to the Greenfield Energy Park from their very own train. Here, Ciaran Godfrey hams it up!
A 1944 New Haven Caboose is transported to the Park via an 80-ton crane. This massive transport was donated through the good offices of Davenport Trucking, Inc. Greenfield, MA. We appreciate their strong community support!
For more information: contact us at sthomas@nesea.org or come for a visit! This park is a work in progress. We will add new features focused on sustainable and renewable energy as funding comes forward.
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