Join the Southern Museum for a Sensory Friendly Afternoon! From 2 PM to 5 PM, the museum is transformed into a sensory-friendly environment. We welcome visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing issues or special needs to explore the Museum at their own pace. All ages are welcome. Included with general admission and free for members!

Sensory Friendly afternoon has added two themed story times at 3 PM and 4 PM, along with an exhibit connection. Visitors will still be able to explore the museum if they choose not to participate in the programming.

February 25 – Proud to be a Pullman Porter

• Topic-African American History Month-Sleeper Cars
• Book: Night Train, Night Train, by Robert Burleigh
• Exhibit Connection: Pullman Car and Case

March 25 – The Wonders of Women in Railroading

• Topic-Women’s History Month- Women in Railroading
• Book: Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express, by Margarett K. Wetterer
• Exhibit Connection: Construction Feats Panel

April 29 – Who’s on the Caboose?

• Topic: Cabooses
• Book: A Moose on the Caboose, by Candace Spizzirri
• Exhibit Connection: Exterior Caboose Tour

May 27 – Hooray for Trains!

• Topic: National Train Day (10^th)
• Book: I Like Trains, by Daisy Hirst
• Exhibit Connection: 3×4 interactive layout

June 24 – Chugga, Chugga, Meow, Meow

• Topic: Animals and the Railroad
• Book: Chessie Takes a Train Trip, by Thomas W. Dixon Jr
• Exhibit Connection: Owney Case (RR animals)

July 29 – The Most Famous Locomotive of Them All

• Topic: Famous Steam Locomotives
• Books: Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever, by Michael Morpurgo
• Exhibit Connection: General Gallery Tour

August 26 – Touch-a-Train

• Topic: Model Train Scales
• Book: Snakes on a Train, by Kathryn Dennis
• Exhibit Connection: Touch model train cars of different scales

September 30 – Parts and Pieces

• Topic: Building Trains
• Book: Let’s Build a Little Train, by Julia Richardson
• Exhibit Connection: Glover Exhibit

October 28 – The Friendly Freight Train

• Topic: Freight Cars
• Freight Train, by Donald Crews
• Exhibit Connection: Merci Boxcar

November 25 – No Class

December 30 – Happy Holidays!

• Topic: Holiday Trains
• Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg
• Exhibit Connection: Holiday Layout