Save NVMRHS

The mission of the Napa Valley Model Railroad Historical Society is to represent and interpret to the public the agricultural and industrial heritage of the Napa Valley region through the use of a 4,600 square foot scale model railroad exhibit at the Napa Valley Exposition Fairgrounds. The organization is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment where disciplines in railroad operating practices, miniaturization, electrical engineering, computer programming, mechanical engineering, landscape artistry, regional history and economics can be learned and shared with the public in a multi-generational setting.

The Napa Valley Model Railroad Historical Society has been in the same location at the Napa Exposition since 1970 (48 years).  The Expo Board recently began eviction proceedings that could destroy the organization’s Model Railroad as a viable recreational, historic and cultural resource enjoyed by thousands.

To fight the eviction, the Napa Valley Model Railroad Historical Society has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Expo Board action.  That lawsuit will be expensive, but it is in the community interest, as expressed by the overwhelming wishes of Napa citizens, to require the Expo Board to follow the law that protects the Model Railroad.

The funds raised by this effort will benefit the community.  Our focus and effort in recent months have been dedicated to saving this historic, recreational and cultural asset for the broad community to continue to enjoy. We host families and school classes and Expo visitors to the fairgrounds.  We are open to the public and visiting is free.

All funds will be directed to legal and associated costs to keep the Napa Valley Model Railroad Historical Society open and in its current location.  If any funds are raised in excess of those costs, they will first be used for physical repairs or upgrades and then for expenses involved in continued free visitor access to this exceptional resource.