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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
We welcome the public to attend the History at High Noon program each month on the 4th Wednesday at 12Noon. Hear stories and discussions with locals about our area history. You will hear some tales, some tall and some hard to believe!
For more information on the Museum, please call (912) 389-3461 or email the museum.
DOUGLAS RECEIVES TOURISM GRANT FUNDS FOR CABOOSE RENOVATION
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 | Old Paint has been removed February 16, 2021 |