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PICTURES: Exhibition on Surrey’s train history opens at Museum of Surrey

Separate two-day event welcomes kids June 25-26

A new exhibit has opened at the Museum of Surrey.

All things trains—Surrey trains that is—is being showcased upstairs in the Community Treasures exhibit space and will run for about three months.

The museum has partnered with the Fraser Valley Heritage Rail Society (FVHRS) to open the new Community Treasures exhibit about the history of Heritage Rail, and the history of trains in Surrey, on the 20th anniversary of the group’s founding.

“It’s a celebration of the 20 years of effort to reactivate the interurban railway portion through Surrey,” said Michael Gibbs, co-chair of communications for FVHRS.

“There was no station in Cloverdale 20 years ago,” said Gibbs. “And no cars. It was totally forgotten.”

He said the new station house in Cloverdale was built on the original site according to the original plans.

“Can you imagine what had to be done?” asked Gibbs. “There was nothing there.”

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The exhibition features a train simulator where people can virtually drive a B.C.E.R. train down the spike from Cloverdale Station to Sullivan Station.

“I’m really impressed with how the simulator works,” said Gibbs. “The picture is crystal clear and it really gives you a feel for driving down the tracks. There are also bells and whistles that kids will get a kick out of playing with.”

Gibbs, who’s only been involved with Heritage Rail for the past seven years, said he thinks people of all ages will “delight in the exhibit,” as it will offer something of interest to everyone.

Train Days at the Museum is a separate event that will run June 25-26 and will be focused just on kids.

Visitors to Train Days at the Museum can participate in a train-themed scavenger hunt, check out train memorabilia, and learn about the history of trains in Surrey through the lens of the FVHRS.

The main exhibition runs until Sept. 5.

Visitors to the Museum of Surrey must pre-register by calling 604.592.6956 or emailing museum@surrey.ca. Visitors can also register online if they have a MySurrey account.



editor@cloverdalereporter.com

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Malin Jordan

About the Author: Malin Jordan

Malin is the editor of the Cloverdale Reporter.
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