sono switch tower museum

And its museums! The SONO Switch Tower Museum tells the great history of the railroad switch tower. That work was fundamental: guarding the safety of speeding trains on complex routings, where the danger of collisions was ever-present. Artifacts line the walls and a few tables here too; old books, old lights, an old Hancock air whistle but the coolest thing was (what I call) an old note-catcher. Going down a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor, we were able to see the massive gears that the levers turned, which in turn moved track up to a mile away (note I have no idea how accurate that statement is. Choo-choo. And the Sono Switch Tower Museum is one of the last remaining relics of American rails glory days. As far as top-rated bed and breakfasts near the museum, youll have to look a bit farther. at the SONO Switch Tower Museum. The. 6 and up Leave a donation to keep these railfans' dreams alive. This unique museum offers a look into the history of the railroad industry, from its humble beginnings to its heyday. Wadsworth Living Museum, 205. SONO Switch Tower Museum is located in the fully restored 1896-built Lots of information in such a small place. It shows how far steam power and transportation technology have come since the 19th century. A vital cog in the New York, New Haven and Hartfords main line service between New Haven and New York City, Tower 44 worked hard for the railroad from its opening on July 5th, 1896 until its retirement in 1984! This prevented trains from crashing. 6 and up Get new content delivered directly to your inbox. Finnish-American Heritage Society Museum, 269. Called Station 44 because it was the 44th on the line out of New York City, the tower also controlled all movements on the former Wilson Point Branch, the original terminus of the Danbury and Norwalk railroad. Other Largests, Longests, Mosts & Tallests, The Worlds Largest Colonial Style Building, Worlds Most Powerful Tandem Van de Graaff Accelerator (RIP), XIV. Step back in time and see railroading of yesterday. Called Station 44 because it was the 44th on the line out of New York City, the tower also controlled all movements on the former Wilson Point Branch, the original terminus of the Danbury and Norwalk railroad. The Museum is furnished as it was during active service in the 1950s. The guides spend lots of time answering questions and explained everything. When youre nearing the end of a day-long CTMQ day of museuming, what could be better than a decidedly quirky little museum to put that pep back in your step? Incredible and knowledgeable team of train educators! Welcome to the SONO Switch Tower Museum! The origination of the switching technology is a fascinating story and one that led to important advancements throughout industry. 2nd floor and other wonderful guide with great insight to 1896 when the tower was built and the amazing equipment we were looking at. A tower operator would operate this mechanism by throwing levers that were connected to the . The tower provided oversight of train movements and control of track assignments in the Norwalk area between Lowe Street and the Norwalk River Bridge. These Opening hours Sono Switch Tower Museum - WhichMuseum It was originally constructed in 1896 by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad (The New Haven) to control switches at the junction between the New Haven Line and the Danbury Branch. Animals (Aquaria, Farms, Wildlife and Zoos), Quinebaug and Burlington Trout Hatcheries, III. Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism Gallery, 177. Take cash to buy something or make a donation. Bridges, Canals & Dams, Roads & Tunnels, VI. Well, aside from a bite of the worlds most expensive chocolate across the street or perhaps a wooden shoe fitting next door? about a 10 minute walk. Back to the first level and a neat gift shop. Okay, okay Here goes: This switch tower was a vital part of our industrial and railroading history. Sorry! A tower operator would operate this mechanism by throwing levers that were connected to Most switch towers have been torn down in the name of progress and really, the term progress is apt here so these remaining reminders provide a glimpse into the not-too-distant past. You had to be very strong to move the levers that controlled the destination of the trains. Food & Drink? In fact, part of the allure of the museum is that visitors can pull the very same Armstrong levers that moved switches and signals on the Main Line for 88 years and its not easy. Free to visit but gave a donation! Street, South Norwalk, CT. The line of towers from Grand Central Terminal included: The 68-lever Armstrong machine was a feature of the 1880s-built tower. the SONO Switch Tower and more information about railroads. A tower operator would operate this mechanism by throwing levers that were connected to the tracks, thus changing the direction of the track. Railroads used towers to house the mechanism of switching trains from one track to another back in the day. I suppose youre still wondering what this museum is even celebrating, huh? The hours of the current day (today) are highlighted. The SoNo Switch Tower Museum is one such museum. SoNo Switch Tower is a preserved switch tower in Norwalk, Connecticut, in the United States. A vital cog in the New York, New Haven and Hartfords main line service between New Haven and New York City, Tower 44 worked hard for the railroad from its opening on July 5th, 1896 until its retirement in 1984! The Museum is furnished as it was during active service in the 1950s. Cost: Free (Donations encouraged) SoNo Switch Tower Museum - Norwalk, CT - Yelp How this fail-safe arrangement works is brilliant in its conception. They also housed the mechanism for changing trains from one track to another. This former industrial powerhouse now has one of the most laid back beach town vibes of anywhere on the Connecticut Gold Coast. And Ill bet youll get even more curious when I tell you that out of the 14 or so spots we (Rob, Yvonne and I) hit this day, Rob declared the SoNo Switch Tower Museum his favorite. SONO SWITCH TOWER MUSEUM - 67 Washington St, Norwalk, Connecticut - Landmarks & Historical Buildings - Yelp SoNo Switch Tower Museum 3 reviews Unclaimed Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Museums Closed 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM See hours Add photo or video Write a review Add photo Location & Hours Suggest an edit 67 Washington St Norwalk, CT 06854 The origination of the switching technology is a fascinating story and one that led to important advancements throughout industry. New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park, 102. It looked very interesting and the admission was free. preventing trains from crashing. In fact, there is another exhibit at the museum entitled, Metro-North at 25, celebrating the commuter rail line that brings all the billionaire hedge-fund managers in Fairfield County to their Manhattan offices these days. They were extremely thorough (but fun) explaining the incredible complexity of the process and yet how elegant the solution to some of the problems were. In the meantime, please visit www.ctbound.org, Connecticut's tourism website for more information about traveling in Connecticut. this mechanism by throwing levers that were connected to the tracks, I speak from experience living with one! You Have Been Successfully Unsubscribed From The Newsletter. In 1837, Rhine County was renamed the Palatinate (Pfalz). Engineers would pick up and drop off notes at the switch houses using this long pole sort of like a modern day Grabber that the elderly use as they whizzed on by. al. Whether youre a passionate historian or just looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, the SoNo Switch Tower Museum is worth a visit! This unique museum offers a look into the history of the railroad industry, from its humble beginnings to its heyday. The secret to safety on high-speed railways was and still is the interlocking: a rail junction comprising several possible routes, crossings, or diversions, in which it is impossible to send a train on an incomplete or conflicting route through the junction. Heck, just across the tracks and I-95 there are three more museums I didnt even mention yet and one is a rather excellent childrens museum called Stepping Stones. All rights reserved. And its free - donations only. East Granby Historical Society Museum, 248. SoNo Switch Tower Museum - Tripadvisor The tower features the state's sole 'Armstrong' motor. HECKENASCHBACHERHOF - Lodging Reviews (Contwig, Germany) - Tripadvisor A large part of the fun I have with CTMQ is seeking out the unknown. With its detailed exhibits, visitors can explore every aspect of it, from the early days of locomotives to modern-day trains. Towers were used by railroads to control areas of track, preventing trains from crashing. Rhineland-Palatinate - Wikipedia $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American International Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ American Steakhouse Gluten Free Options, $$ - $$$ Latin Mediterranean Spanish, Points of Interest & Landmarks Lighthouses. ctmuseumquest.com is not affiliated with any museums anywhere and never will be. What Type Of Location Are You Collecting? Creative Arts Workshop Galleries (2), 231. Historical photos adorned the walls, but really, the star attraction here are the switches. Youll also get to see some of the amazing machinery that made this mode of transportation possible. Staffed 24 hours a day, these towers handed-off information between them. SONO Switch Tower Museum occupies an ancient, 19th-century switch tower. Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Defunct 14. The secret to safety on high-speed railways was and still is the interlocking: a rail junction comprising several possible routes, crossings, or diversions, in which it is impossible to send a train on an incomplete or conflicting route through the junction. Learn about this unique job and all about railroads The SoNo Switch Tower Museum is one such museum. Its a fun little place and one that used to be rather crappy and run down. Explore SoNo Switch Tower Museum when you travel to Norwalk! Norwalk is a very cute town too. Other amenities: Dining nearby, gift shop, Copyright 2023 Connecticut Office of Tourism. changing trains from one track to another. Yale University Art & Architecture Galleries, 84. Great for kids of all ages. As far as top-rated bed and breakfasts near the museum, youll have to look a bit farther. Cemeteries, Monuments, Unique Statuary & Greens, PT Barnum Monument & Grave (Bonus: Tom Thumb), X. They don't take credit. Connecticut Legislative Office Building, 81. While not as well known as other cutesy nicknames like WeHo, SoHo or TriBeCa (West Hollywood, South of Houston St. in Manhattan and the Triangle Below Canal Street This prevented trains from crashing. SONO Switch Tower Museum occupies an ancient, 19th-century switch tower. Might be 5 miles, might be 500 feet, I dont know). Password Should Be 8-16 Characters Long, Alphanumeric With One Special Character, Password Should Not Be More Than 50 Characters. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museumwas once owned by LeGrand Lockwood and Charles Drelincourt Mathews. of the railroad switch tower. Take a step back in time at the SoNo Switch Tower Museum and learn about the Golden Age of Railroads. Youll like it if: You can climb three steep flights of stairs What type of location are you collecting? While not as well known as other cutesy nicknames like WeHo, SoHo or TriBeCa (West Hollywood, South of Houston St. in Manhattan and the Triangle Below Canal Street tracks by throwing levers in the tower. Going down a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor, we were able to see the massive gears that the levers turned, which in turn moved track up to a mile away (note I have no idea how accurate that statement is. Small (it's entirely in the switch tower), but enthusiastically run - it's so good to see places like this making the effort to open up to the public, when in reality there's a very small number of people who are actually interested - ie you do have to be at least a train enthusiast, if not a signalling nutter to truly appreciate this. The sentinel of the railroad, the speeding trains watchman, and the railroaders guardian angel when danger lurks the interlocking signal tower has been called all of those things, and with justification. Destroying the myth that there is nothing to do here, Magazine/Book Editors, Please enjoy the entire site, aside from a bite of the worlds most expensive chocolate, 12. the mechanism of switching trains from one track to another. Quinebaug and Burlington Trout Hatcheries, 41. Strain Family Horse Farm Cowboy Museum, 222. Click Here for Details Click Here to Donate to the SONO Switch Tower Museum! And its museums! The SoNo Switch Tower Museum is one such museum. You wont like it if: You cant. It has been preserved as a museum. 77 Washington Street, South Norwalk, Norwalk, CT, United States, 06854 . By the 1860s and 70s, trains were running both in the United Kingdom and in the U.S. on growing networks of track, with increasing numbers of rail junctions and crossings of one rail line by another. 7. Connecticut Norwalk Sono Switch Tower Museum Opening hours Manage this page The daily opening times of Sono Switch Tower Museum in Norwalk Source The following overview lists the visiting hours for Sono Switch Tower Museum in Norwalk. XVII. It has slightly over 5.000 inhabitants, and is part of the Verbandsgemeinde Zweibrcken-Land. Website Design by Q4Launch. SoNo Switch Tower Museum | Visit CT Holley-Williams House Museum, Defunct 15. Find out everything you need to know and book your tours and activities before visiting SoNo Switch Tower Museum. Since the advent of better computers and technology, the interlocking switch system has gone away. Historical photos adorned the walls, but really, the star attraction here are the switches. New Haven Galleries (1 of 4), 181. I cant think of anything more Yuppie than this, right across the street from the Switch Tower Museum: Seriously. Towers were used by railroads to control areas of track, preventing trains from crashing. The museum explores the story of Signal Station 44, all 88 years of it. and Sun., 12 noon-5 p.m. and by appt. Just click the. The three-level tour has the main switch room in the upper floor (with a great view of the adjacent railroad junction); laid out as it was when in use. The building itself is quite unique. Charles Ives Birthplace Museum. Vehicle registration. For much of its history, towers lined the train tracks at major intersections. This is a good stop for most everyone but is not for anyone who would have trouble with stairs. Bottom line there is more than enough to do within easy walking distance for one and all. Dont worry if you havent given it a name yet, or youre feeling overwhelmed. SoNo Switch Tower Museum (Norwalk) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go, Hotels near Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Hotels near South Norwalk Historic District (SoNo), Hotels near Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Hotels near Westchester County Airport (HPN), Hotels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Motels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Motels near Westchester County Airport (HPN), Hotels near University of Connecticut-Stamford, Things to do near SoNo Switch Tower Museum, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Norwalk, Norwalk Island Friday Night Sunset Cruise, Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hills Priority Ticket- Skip the ticket line, Kona's Deluxe Snorkel - Beat the Crowds to Captain Cook and Place of Refuge, Boat Party with Swimming Stop Experience in Mykonos, Waterfalls, lagoons & old village in Gers Park with Lunch Included, The Acropolis, Athens Walking City Tour and Acropolis Museum, Sightseeing with a Mykonian (8people group), Famous Moonshine & Wine Tour From Pigeon Forge, Berlin 4-Course Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Drinks. It's a good hour for the whole tour. Towers were used by railroads to control areas of track, You will not spend much time in the museum but when in South Norwalk (SONO) it is worth a visit. Choo-choo. SoNo Switch Tower Museum in Norwalk - Tours and Activities - Expedia I cant think of anything more Yuppie than this, right across the street from the Switch Tower Museum: Seriously. They also housed the mechanism for You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the Sono Switch Tower Museum here, if available. Contwig - Wikipedia National Natural Landmarks, Trails, et. SoNo Switch Tower Museum: Experience the Golden Age of Railroads A large part of the fun I have with CTMQ is seeking out the unknown. One must climb up the steep stairs on the back of the building to reach the switch tower, but once up there, an important piece of railroading history is right there totally accessible. Arts Council of Gr. Sigh thank goodness the boys are a little older now. SoNo, for all you non-Nutmeggers, refers to the revitalized section of Norwalk towards the southern end (i.e., SOuth NOrwalk). This page is not available in other languages. Massive switches were manually thrown by each tower along the train tracks that handled a section. Such a great surprisethanks to the 3 wonderful volunteers. These towers were staffed by operators who would manually operate the switching of the tracks by throwing giant levers in the tower. Problem While Recovering Password, Please Try Again Later, First Name Should Not Be More Than 50 Characters, Last Name Should Not Be More Than 50 Characters, Problem Reseting Your Password, Please Try Again Later, Keyword Is Restricted, Please Try Another Keyword. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. oh man, so much here. The building itself is quite unique. The Greenwich, CT 06830 While not as well known as other cutesy nicknames like WeHo, SoHo or TriBeCa (West Hollywood, South of Houston St. in Manhattan and the Triangle Below Canal Street Sheesh, you people need to get out more), SoNo certainly has its charms. Switch Towers Wiki If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. June 13, 2009. Just happened to walk by and a sweet lady said its free if you would like to come inand so happy we did! UConn Contemporary Art Gallery (Storrs), 95. Phone: (203) 869-2110 At this museum, you can explore the key purpose served by the switch tower in the bygone era. East Haddam Historical Society Museum, 24. We wanted to visit since the website says it is open on Sundays, but the gate is locked and there is a sign indicating the facility doesn't open until May 2022. We were having a Norwalk Day a few years ago. The SONO Switch Tower Museum tells the great history Whether you prefer boutique style or larger, more traditional lodging options, Norwalk has a few options nearby. Quinebaug and Burlington Trout Hatcheries, 47. Other cities are Ludwigshafen am . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. CT Agricultural Experiment Station at Lockwood Farm, 182. The kids even got to throw a few switches and then got little pieces of paper saying they were qualified to operate the switches. (Yvonne stuck with the non-museum Patrick Baker & Sons religious store instead.). Try, direct self-imports from Europe. Did you know that the busiest railroad tracks in the United States connect Boston and Washington, D.C.? 77 Washington Street, South Norwalk, CT New Book Published! The effort was all so that could send trains on their designated routes following a master schedule. Theyd give instructions to the switch towers as to where they were heading so they knew which switches to throw. If youre looking for places to eat nearby, youll find plenty of options among South Norwalk restaurants. Vernon Railroad Depot Outdoor Museum, 204. My husband who loves mechanical things enjoyed this very much. The tower features the state's sole 'Armstrong' motor. When youre nearing the end of a day-long CTMQ day of museuming, what could be better than a decidedly quirky little museum to put that pep back in your step? Okay, okay Here goes: This switch tower was a vital part of our industrial and railroading history. The tower provided oversight of train movements and control of track assignments in the Norwalk area between Lowe Street and the Norwalk River Bridge. They also housed the mechanism for changing trains from one track to another. Well, aside from a bite of the worlds most expensive chocolate across the street or perhaps a wooden shoe fitting next door? SONO Switch Tower Museum, Norwalk | cityseeker This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. SoNo Switch Tower - Wikipedia This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The volunteers love their jobs and share their extensive knowledge of the early and current rail lines. Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, 77 Washington Welcome to the SONO Switch Tower Museum! - westctnrhs.org Yes, because the interlocking is one of the first logic circuits ever invented in industry. All prices are displayed per age group or reduced rate group. Keep exploring the SoNo, or South Norwalk neighborhood, and visit nearby attractions like: If youre looking for even more things to do in Norwalk, CT then take a look at our guide with all of the top activities curated just for you. You get to move the switches, watch the lights and ring the alarms. While there commuter trains past by. The museum is an ideal place for railway enthusiasts. [2], .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct,.mw-parser-output .geo-inline-hidden{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}41557N 73256.5W / 41.09917N 73.418472W / 41.09917; -73.418472. And Ill bet youll get even more curious when I tell you that out of the 14 or so spots we (Rob, Yvonne and I) hit this day, Rob declared the SoNo Switch Tower Museum his favorite. After climbing up the small staircase we entered into the both where the switch tower controller did his very important job. Tremaine Gallery at the Hotchkiss School, 195. And while up in the tower, theres a decent chance an Acela or Amtrak train will rumble by below. More Links Here SoNo Switch Tower is a preserved switch tower in Norwalk, Connecticut, in the United States. Ahhh, Connecticut I love you when you fulfill the expected national stereotype. Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, 90. Very cool if your into trains. Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry, 37. The following overview lists the admission prices and various discounts and discount codes for a visit to Sono Switch Tower Museum in Norwalk. It was very interesting as well as intimidating. Urban Museum of Modern Architecture (6 of 7), 175. Some model switch towers. Keep exploring the many things to do in Norwalk, CT! Historic Carousels and Curious Public Art, 44. You go to the 3rd floor where all the switch levers are that controlled all the train switchesamazingour guide was passionate and actually operated the switches in the summers in his youth. Childrens Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, 134. Part of a given pathway cant physically be set and signals given to show the way is clear unless a complete path is set. You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the Sono Switch Tower Museum here, if available. The SoNo Switch Tower Museum is one such museum. Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, 116. Sat. Everything from throwing switches to how they communicated with trains, and more. Check Your Inbox, Weve Sent You Instructions On How To Reset Your Password. The museum explores the story of Signal Station 44, all 88 years of it. Part of a given pathway cant physically be set and signals given to show the way is clear unless a complete path is set. The following two paragraphs (railway interlocking are the same as the museums switches) are from the foreward to , The Classic Railway Signal Tower, written by Bill Withuhn from the Smithsonian: You have done more than any man living to save human life. So said King Edward VII, when he was the Prince of Wales, to one of the key inventors in the story of the railway interlocking, John Saxby. Took our children ages 13 & 11and they had a great time learning the history and getting to move the switches! Amazing. This is a good stop for most everyone but is not for anyone who would have trouble with stairs. C.H. EN Sono Switchtower Museum Science & Technology History & Anthropology #2 History & Anthropology in Norwalk #9 Free museums in Connecticut #9 History & Anthropology in Connecticut #5 Science & Technology in Connecticut Sono Switch Tower Museum Washington Street 77 CT 06854 Norwalk Tickets & prices Sono Switch Tower Museum - WhichMuseum (Yvonne stuck with the non-museum Patrick Baker & Sons religious store instead.). And the Sono Switch Tower Museum is one of the last remaining relics of American rail's glory days. Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, 138. (We did visit later.). ctmuseumquest.com is not affiliated with any museums anywhere and never will be. This map from 1600 gives an idea of the far-spreading, fragmented region defined as the Electorate of . 2022 We wanted to visit since the website says it is open on Sundays, but the gate is locked and there is a sign indicating the facility doesn't open until May 2022. Its one of those semi-success stories of downtown revitalization through an infusion of cash, credit and yuppie-ism. Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford, 167. Take a step back in time at the SoNo Switch Tower Museum and learn about the Golden Age of Railroads. ArtPlace at Yale Physicians Building, 178. This little museum is an enthusiasts mecca. The Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies, 202. Freebies: A list of movies with trains in them, All things Railroad in Connecticut here, at the CTMQ Railfan Depot, SoNo Switch Tower Museum In fact, there is another exhibit at the museum entitled, Metro-North at 25, celebrating the commuter rail line that brings all the billionaire hedge-fund managers in Fairfield County to their Manhattan offices these days.

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