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The March edition of the Footprints of Past newsletter is now available.

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PUBLIC TOUR SCHEDULE

Docents will be on duty to guide your visit.

Wednesday afternoons: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Monday mornings: 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

GROUPS are encouraged to schedule a tour for other days/times so walk in visitors will not intrude upon your tour.  Please use the contact form to request this.

Please use the contact form to arrange your tour with our director.
Your inquiry will be promptly answered.
Hours and days are subject to your needs and the availability of docents.

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Watch our Introduction to the Fuquay-Varina Museums video!

The Fuquay-Varina Museums Complex consists of six museums: The First Fuquay Post Office, the “Squire” Ballentine Schoolhouse, the Centennial Museum, the Tobacco Barn, the Johnson Playhouse and the Norfolk Southern Caboose #375.

Tours may be arranged for groups by appointment. Please use our Contact form to request a tour.

The museums are located one block off Main Street at 131 South Fuquay Avenue and are easily accessed with handicap facilities. When visiting the museums, please start at the Centennial Museum so that a docent can guide you on your tour. The post office and school are not typically staffed but a docent from the Centennial Museum will gladly provide access to the buildings and answer any questions you may have.

Lunch can be arranged at several places in Fuquay-Varina. Contact the volunteer director for suggestions and arrangements which are complimentary to your tour group or suited to your needs. Senior tours  work best with a visit to the museums, followed by lunch, and a step-on tour with a docent on your mini bus or van during the afternoon.

Visitors may also explore the two historic districts of Varina and Fuquay and visit the delightfully landscaped Fuquay Mineral Springs.

If you would like to support the Museums, please consider joining the Friends of the Museums using this form.

Free admission!   Parking available!   A good picnic site!   Quaint Shops!   Good food!

Come spend the day in Fuquay-Varina!

Thank you to Luxury Life Magazine for recognizing the Fuquay-Varina Museums with the 2019 Family and Visitor Attraction Award for the July issue.

Norfolk Southern Caboose #375

This particular piece was  rescued and restored because it ran through Fuquay-Varina. Eventually it will be joined by our reconstructed first depot.

One of 12 purchased by Norfolk Southern RR in 1940, we are using this caboose to educate the public on the purpose it served.  The  caboose is a piece of history which is almost non existent today.

You can follow the restoration process for NS Caboose #375 on Facebook.

The Caboose has arrived at the Museums!

HERE’S HOW THEY MOVE A CABOOSE!

The Town provided a pad, clean and ready in Ashworth Park
First come the rails, placed, spaced, measured and ready for the trucks (wheels.)
The trucks (wheels) placed at each end upon which the caboose body will be set down.
And here comes the caboose body on a big truck!
Lift the caboose off the truck, drive out from under it and turn it around to bring into the park.
The body gets lowered carefully onto the trucks (wheels) for it’s final location.
The caboose is on site in the beautiful park. Everyone is proud of the successful move!

The Caboose is currently available for outside viewing only as the interior restoration is still in progress.  No tours can be provided until the interior is restored.  Visitors are asked not to trespass until work is completed.

Contact

Comments or questions are welcome.

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