Museum Is on the Right Side of the Tracks...

Above, MBTA COO Ryan Coholan gestures toward the digital display created by the T to alert children at the Children;'s Museum of Franklin to the imminent passing of an MBTA train.

Children's Museum of Franklin welcomed the community to a special ribbon-cutting celebration om Wedmesdau for a brand-new interactive feature in the Museum's Transportation Area, generously designed and created by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

In a prepared statement, MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan, said “On behalf of the MBTA, I want to thank Children’s Museum of Franklin for partnering with us to bring this customized railroad crossing signal to the Museum,. We hope this hands-on exhibit helps visitors better understand how crossing signals keep people safe and we hope to see it inspire the next generation of train engineers, signal experts, conductors, and other transit professionals.”

"Transportation has always been one of the most beloved themes at the Museum, especially with our incredible view of the MBTA’s commuter rail from the exhibit area" said Erin Gallagher, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Children's Museum of Franklin. "We're incredibly grateful to the MBTA for creating a feature that helps children make meaningful connections to the world around them through play."

Above, children interrupt their play with toy trains to watch a real one passing by...

Since
opening in September 2025, Children's Museum of Franklin has welcomed
nearly 60,000 visitors from more than 600 towns across Massachusetts,
Rhode Island and beyond. The Museum’s beloved Transportation Area was
made possible by the generous support of Vendetti Motors.

Above, T COO Coholan explains the work involved in turning a real crossing signal into a museum exhibit that a child can operate!

Since opening in September 2025, Children's Museum of Franklin has welcomed nearly 60,000 visitors from more than 600 towns across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and beyond. The Museum’s beloved Transportation Area was made possible by the generous support of Vendetti Motors.

About the Children's Museum of Franklin

Children's Museum of Franklin is a nonprofit, hands-on museum on a mission to empower children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration. Through interactive exhibits, engaging programming, and a commitment to accessibility and belonging, the Museum creates opportunities for joyful learning for visitors of all ages.