“This is exciting,” she said, noting it’s comprised of local people willing to work together to get funds needed for the center.

In addition to presenting some of the area’s railroad and tooling history, one of the primary reasons for creating the center is to serve as a regional tourism hub. The intent is to attract tourists to the area by marketing the region and all the related railroad museums.

The location also ties in with the promotion of historic U.S. Route 6, a scenic coast-to-coast route that crosses the northern tier of Pennsylvania. The historic highway connects the stories of how America grew industrially, socially and geographically, promoters boast.

“Our collection is growing with first-class collectibles and we are anxious to showcase them,” Martin wrote in a narrative for the county development authority’s grant application.

In addition, numerous railroad artifacts from an impressive and historic collection of the late Stuart Ladner have been offered for loan to the center.

Cronin said plans are to have revolving exhibits on display so people can visit the center often and see different things.

Potential exhibits include motorcycles, antique cars, classic cars, sleighs and sleds, horse-drawn vehicles, rifles and doll houses.

Other state grants are pending as the organization continues to develop the future historical museum and tourist attraction.