ABOUT US

Learn Our Story

The Project - How We're Changing Things

With our partners Berks and Montgomery Counties, their respective Redevelopment Authorities, several municipalities, and a host of donors, foundations, and volunteers, our grassroots effort is transforming a forgotten Civil War-era railroad and greenway into an engine of community and economic development. This partnership’s work to build our region’s tourism, travel, and outdoor recreation economy has been lauded by the White House (2015), the National Endowment for the Humanities (2020), the National Association of Counties (Innovation Award, 2020), the George Herbert Walker Bush Points of Light Foundation (2020), the Huffington Post (“This is How you Bring a Town Back from the Brink,” (2016) and USA Today (who ranked us as the second-best heritage rail attraction in all of North America).

Our Railbikes blend nature, history, and accessibility. They offer exercise and education for all, while backing at-risk and underserved communities.

Our railbikes–people-powered rail vehicles that enable young and old and persons with disabilities to exercise in nature (and learn about history at the same time)–are the first in Pennsylvania and were named “Best of Philly 2020” by Philadelphia Magazine. As part of its mission, the Trust creates employment and education opportunities for at-risk persons, traditionally-underserved persons, and persons on the Autism spectrum.

Discover the hidden gem of Berks County - where tourism & recreation thrive!

Several years ago, in the face of the loss of several of our last legacy industries, the Berks County Community Foundation funded a citizen-driven, professionally-led Visioning & Strategic Planning process to evaluate and plan for our region’s economic future. The process included local and regional businesses, local, state, and federal political leaders, regional planners, and the Urban Partners economic planning firm. The study found that tourism and recreation were our region’s best bet for building a resilient, robust, and sustainable economy, and made several recommendations for supporting and growing that sector. The Trust and its partners continue their work to implement those recommendations, with the successful record indicated above.

All Aboard! Join the Colebrookdale Railroad and Boost our Region’s Economy.

MISSION & LEADERSHIP

Mission

The Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations to it are tax-deductible. We seek your support in pursuing our goal to establish a dedicated tourist railroad based on the Colebrookdale Railroad.

The Trust is seeking volunteers to assist in fundraising and planning. If you would like to join the effort, contact us.

Among the Trust's short- and long-term objectives toward that goal:

Completion of an implementation plan	Acquisition and restoration of historic passenger equipment of the 1900-1916 era	Construction of passenger facilities in Boyertown and Pottstown

Integration of passenger service with local events and attractions	Provision of dining and lounge, and open car service on Colebrookdale trains	Operation of a steam locomotive

Assist the County of Berks and the designated freight operator in raising funds to maintain and preserve the line

Additionally, the Trust may assist in the operation of a number of trial-run excursions along the line in concert with the designated operator, the Eastern Berks Gateway Railroad.