News & Latest Happenings

This latest happenings page can contain news of most anything traction and rail oriented or, more specifically, pertaining to all things CT Trolley Museum.  It will be the latest news, as expected from the title, or perhaps something in developmental stages. We rely on you to forward any essentials that you believe would be of interest, not only to our local traction fans but to those who view this page from around the world. Please send your "news-articles" to: office@ceraweb.org  

MEMORIAL DAY 2017

Celebrated this year on May 29th

Originally "Decoration Day"  |   post Civil War in 1868

It's not all about cookouts and parades - not for everyone! We honor those from many wars

and "police actions" that never returned to their homeland - and empathize with those

families whose thoughts twist and turn in these warm, late spring breezes.  Did we learn?

Do we ever learn? The young men and women thought that they would be home for

the holidays and picnics - but they never came home...

Young, full of life and with a passion for their homeland, they went off to combat with a

youth's sense of invincibility and having righteousness on their side - but they never came home...

We memorialize their souls and honor their just endeavors...

Celebrate and honor our veterans on this Memorial Day 2017 - those who have

returned - those who have not. Thank our living veterans for their service and

remember, thoughtfully, those that cannot be with us today - they never came home...

Editorial license

PTSD help is available from many sources.

Please follow through with one of the available programs for yourself and your family...

This is but one: please click here...

CTM's May 2017  Night Photo Shoot

Some of the professional photographers attending this event

have agreed to share a few of their shots with all of us...

Click on the camera graphic beside their name to view their special page

* Planning For the Future, Today...

The Board of Directors are planning for the Museum's future in two different, but related ways;

Tactical Planning (short term) is what most members see and it is used to generate the annual budget.

Strategic (long term) Planning is more of a wish list - things that we would like to accomplish in the future.

However, if the two plans are not aligned then the foundation needed to accomplish our dreams is never built. The Board of Directors is examining these two activities with a sense of urgency. We have identified several tasks that need to be accomplished quickly so that a road map to the future can be achieved. Several new committees have been established and initially staffed by directors. However, we look to the general membership for input and to strengthen these committee tasks. We will attempt to keep these committees small and flexible and we are establishing timelines to adhere to. These include:

Publishing, Communications Department - Responsible for periodic publications, news letters and bulletins, (printed and electronic).

Computer Department - Determining CTM's computer and network requirements, supporting the gift shop, email and domain registration.

 Collections Committee - Responsible for the maintenance and disposition of our collection (operational, static, storage and disposal).

Storage Committee - Determining the museum's short and long term physical storage requirements and soliciting quotations for facilities.

Exhibit Department - Responsible for designing and deploying exhibits in the Visitor Center.

Fund Raising Committee - Investigating sources of funding, including State, Local and Federal programs, institutions and activities.

Bylaws Committee - Reviewing the current bylaws and making recommendations for changes or improvements.

Membership Department - Responsible for cataloging and organizing our membership and volunteer ranks.

If you have interest in any of these activities, please contact our business office and we will get you connected with the appropriate committee chairs.

office@ceraweb.org   |   860.627.6540

*excerpt from Ted Coppola's (Chairman of the Board) - piece in our latest CERA NEWS newsletter

Although written for current members we welcome any public interest in these goals and if your interest is piqued, we ask that you contact us...