The project includes several aspects of restoring the caboose, delivered to the museum grounds in 2019. Plans include finishing the exterior and interior of the railroad car for visitors to be able to safely enjoy the caboose. Electric power will be installed at the porches on each end of the caboose, to ensure a well-lit stairwell and doorways for the safety of visitors and security cameras will be installed to ensure the security of the railway car.
Weatherproof runners will be added to the interior for the protection of the floors and safety of visitors to the car.
“We are so grateful to the Margaret Dunning Foundation for the support of our caboose project, as well as all of the support it has provided the museum through the years,” said Executive Director Liz Kerstens. “We are hoping to be able to open the caboose to the public by this summer, depending on the progress of COVID-19 and the vaccine.”
The Plymouth Historical Museum is open to the public from 1 until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is located at 155 S. Main St., Plymouth. The Museum will be closed January 11-26 for an exhibit changeover to “First Ladies--Fashion Setters” which will open Jan. 27.
Since 1948, the Plymouth Historical Society (AKA “The Friends of the Plymouth Historical Museum), a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational and historical organization, has operated through the generosity of donors who value Plymouth history. The museum is dedicated to the historic preservation of artifacts and archival materials relating to Plymouth history specifically and American history generally. For more information access www.plymouthhistory.org.
The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning in 1997. She was born in 1910 in Redford Township and moved with her mother to Plymouth in the 1920s. During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and civic booster. She was a major supporter of many Plymouth nonprofits, including the Plymouth District Library and the Plymouth Historical Society. In addition to her personal philanthropy, Ms. Dunning was a classic car enthusiast and was a regular participant in the Woodward Dream Cruise with her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster.
Ms. Dunning died in 2015 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Margaret Dunning Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and legacy. For more information: www.margaretdunningfdn.org.
