Restoration of Piermont Railroad Station Museum Complete

The restoration of the Piermont Railroad Station Museum was celebrated this week at the Piermont Historical Society’s Family Fun Day.

A ribbon-cutting was held to mark the end of a 13-year effort that started with the acquisition of the 144-year-old station. In 2013, it was discovered that the station’s foundation was sitting on a rotting wood sill that had all but disappeared. The joists and floor boards were disintegrating and the Piermont Historical Society installed temporary plywood flooring so the museum could remain open.

The entire center of the structure (the floor) was removed.  A new concrete floor was poured and a new wood floor placed atop it. Drainage was added and the structure raised above the grade of the Erie Path, ensuring that the station will be preserved for another 144 years.

Senator Carlucci was able to secure $100,000 to preserve the structure. “Our community was the backdrop for so many moments in our Nation’s history, dating back to the American Revolution.  There was no question that we had to save the railroad station and make sure it was a place that people of all generations could go and learn about Piermont’s storied history.  I am thankful the Historical Society has kept this exhibit open and able to showcase our community’s history for the next 100 years,” said Senator Carlucci.”

“Family Fun Day is about reminding people about the community’s storied history and teaching children to be proud of the place they live,” stated Richard Esnard, the Historical Society’s Board Member. “The renovations were carried out with historical accuracy.  Its successful restoration is due not only to the support of the people of Piermont but also to many dedicated community members, including Senator Carlucci, who were committed to the project.  It was a combined effort that has ensured that Piermont’s grand old train station will be around for generations to come.”

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this station is the only known station of its kind remaining. Originally part of the Northern Railroad, today the station serves as a tribute to Piermont’s history and its exhibits include.

• General Washington’s meeting with British General Sir Guy Carleton at the Onderdonck House on Piermont Avenue
• The Erie RR traveling from the end of Piermont’s pier to Lake Erie
• The Northern Railroad commuter train from Jersey City to Nyack
• Stationmaster Belle Kelly’s “on-line” romance – via the telegraph
• Piermont’s Paper mill exhibit:  “Stories from the Factory”
• Fort Comfort – Piermont’s luxury resort
• Piermont’s role during World War II exhibit:  Piermont’s pier as the demarcation point of over a half million soldiers

Upcoming Train Station Sundays (Free admission 12 – 3 p.m).

June 25, July 9, July 23, August 6, August 13, August 20, September 3, September 17, October 1, October 15

(Information from Piermont Historical Society website and David Carlucci)

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