The Eli Whitney Museum's annual hands on exhibition of American Flyer Trains opens , Friday November 29th at noon. Classic toy trains produced by New Haven's A.C. Gilbert Company that still run beautifully after 50 years.
This year's Gilbert Project Study considers the learning toys that the A.C. Gilbert Company developed 100 years ago as antecedents of the MAKE Movement today. Both are rooted in a passion for making things that is ageless.
Timeless Erector parts will challenge young hands to experiment.
Saturdays: 10am – 3pm
and
Sundays: 12 – 5pm, though January 19th.
Closed Christmas and New Year's Day.
With special viewing hours from 12 to 5pm on
December 23, 24, 26, 27,30, 31.
Admission: Free
Wooden trains to construct: $11
American Flyer Curator: Walter Zawalich
Principal Artist: Hunter Nesbitt Spence
Principal Model Maker: Mike Dunn
A.C. Gilbert purchased, redesigned and produced American Flyer trains relatively late in his career. It was also relatively late in the history of American railroads. Airports and highways were reshaping American geography. Gilbert’s trains recollected past power and glory of rail. Gilbert's trains recollected the power and glory of his life. Our Holiday Train Exhibit will follow that journey.
Wooden Toy Trains
Wooden Trains at the Eli Whitney Museum. To build here.
$11. Many other projects also available to build for all ages which range from $11 – $15.