Heritage Station Museum

Introduction & History

Come ride the rails of Coffee County’s rich history at Heritage Station Museum. Operated by the Coffee County Historical Society, we are open to the public Thursday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Located in the the old Georgia and Florida Railroad Depot, Heritage Station Museum features an array of permanent collections including military, agricultural, African-American, and local business exhibits.  The museum also boasts a unique collection of train memorabilia and highlights Douglas’ connection with the railroad industry.

The train depot was originally built in 1905 by the Wadley and Mt. Vernon Railroad. The Georgia and Florida Railroad made its presence in Douglas in 1907 and became a major employer for the area for the next 60 years. In 1949, the depot was closed for passenger transportation and closed its doors in the mid 1980s. In 1999, Georgia and Florida Railway employees, Friends of the Museum, and the City of Douglas renovated the depot and re-opened it as Heritage Station Museum.

Visiting the Museum

Beginning March 2021, Heritage Station Museum, located at 219 West Ward Street, will be open to the public Thursday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  COVID-19 protocols will be followed.  Please wear a mask at all times during your visit at the museum. Guided tours are available by request. Field trips and groups are welcome during normal hours or by appointment. Admission to the museum is a $1 donation per person. 

History At High Noon

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we currently are not hosting History at High Noon.  However, once we are able begin again, welcome you to attend History at High Noon program each month. Hear stories and discussions with locals about our area history. You will hear some tales, some tall and some hard to believe! History at High Noon is on the fourth Wednesday at 12Noon at the Museum.

For more information on the Museum, please call (912) 389-3461 or email the museum.

DOUGLAS RECEIVES TOURISM GRANT FUNDS FOR CABOOSE RENOVATION

Caboose - Museum (RESIZED)Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), has awarded more than $2,000 in tourism product development grant funding to the City of Douglas to restore the old Southern Railway caboose at Heritage Station Museum.  Upon recommendations from the Tourism Team, the caboose will be renovated to focus on Douglas’ train history and provide train enthusiasts a reason to visit Douglas.

In January 2021, renovations on the exterior of the caboose began.  The exterior phase of the caboose project includes restoration by painting the caboose and building a deck for accessibility.  After restoration was completed, a deck was added and is available to host a variety of small events.

Renovations begin with removal of old paint
January 24, 2021
Photo of Restoration of the Exterior of the caboose
Old Paint has been removed
February 16, 2021
Photo of Restoration of the Exterior of the caboose
CabooseNew paint and logos (May 2021)Caboose Project 6-2-2021 (3)Caboose with handicap accessible deck (June 2021)