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The City of Landrum held the grand opening of the Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27. (Photo by Grant Langston)

Musician Firebox Johnson provided entertainment at the grand opening of the Landrum Rail and History Museum. (Photo by Grant Langston)

Mayor Robert Briggs spoke to those in attendance at the grand opening of the Landrum Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27. (Photo by Grant Langston)

Jennifer Ossting Shaw and Adam Shaw, daughter and grandson of the donator of the railcar, Ken Ossting, spoke to the crowd at the Landrum Rail and History Museum grand opening. (Photo by Grant Langston)

Landrum City Council Member Billy Inman spoke to visitors at the grand opening of the Landrum Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27.(Photo by Grant Langston)

Jennifer Ossting Shaw and Adam Shaw, daughter and grandson of the donator of the railcar, Ken Ossting, cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Landrum Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27.(Photo by Grant Langston)

The interior of the museum features various plaques, screens, and artifacts depicting Landrum's history of railway, tourism, and trade. (Photo by Grant Langston)

A celebratory cake was served at the grand opening of the Landrum Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27. (Photo by Grant Langston)

LANDRUM—The atmosphere was electric as Landrum finally held the grand opening of its Rail and History Museum on Saturday, April 27.

“I’m just so excited that it’s finally here,” said Landrum City Council Member Judy Henderson. “It’s been six long years of hard work since the train arrived, and we’re just so thankful that it’s going to be one of the best assets in Landrum.” 

It was also announced at the event that Stephanie Winterrowd will be the fifth Landrum Rail and History Museum Board Member. 

After a speech by Mayor Robert Briggs, Jennifer Ossting Shaw and Adam Shaw, daughter and grandson of Ken Ossting, who donated the railcar to Landrum, addressed those in attendance and spoke about Ossting’s generosity for donating the car and how excited he would be to see it turned into the educational facility that it’s become.  

Landrum City Councilman Billy Inman then spoke about the six-year journey that led to the museum’s grand opening, including the hurdles that had to be overcome, such as asbestos removal and the coronavirus epidemic.  

“We first went to look at this car in February of 2018, and we’ve been working on this since 2017, so it’s taken a while to get here, and we’re just glad this day is here, you know?” added Landrum Mayor Briggs. 

As visitors first enter the train car, motion sensors activate a speaker that declares “All aboard!” Visitors then make their way through the museum to view various plaques, screens, and artifacts depicting Landrum’s history of railway, tourism, and trade. 

The Landrum Rail and History Museum is located at the Historic Landrum Depot at 211 North Trade Avenue. It is not yet open to the public, and the Rail and History Museum Board will convene soon to determine its days and hours of operation. 

For more information, visit cityoflandrumsc.com.

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