Historic Transportation Museum Closes, Rare Memorabilia Auctioned Online

The Harlansburg Station Transportation Museum, after 34 years of operation, has permanently closed its doors, marking the end of an era for transportation enthusiasts. Founded in 1991 by Donald Barnes, a commercial airline pilot whose passion for collecting began during his layovers in various cities, the museum housed an extraordinary collection of transportation memorabilia. Barnes meticulously gathered items by engaging with workers across all transportation sectors—from bus drivers and river workers to fellow pilots—each piece accompanied by fascinating stories that captured the human element of travel and industry.

Central Mass Auctions has been entrusted with liquidating this remarkable collection through an online auction ending September 9, 2025. The diverse inventory includes four railroad passenger cars, nautical artifacts like a brass ship's binnacle and wheel, handcrafted ship models, a California Highway Patrol motorcycle, vintage gas pumps, Greyhound and post office ticket windows, and a classic telephone booth. Many pieces hold local significance, such as a Pittsburgh bronze airport sign, an airport beacon, and a large-scale electric steam engine from the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Headquarters at Station Square, alongside a ship's bell from a Pennsylvania riverboat and meticulously crafted models of historic local riverboats.

Auctioneer Wayne Tuiskula expressed honor at handling the sale, emphasizing the collection's quality and historical value. The public can preview items at the museum on September 6-7, 2025, before online bidding concludes on September 9. This auction offers a rare chance to own pieces from a museum that attracted visitors nationwide for over three decades, preserving tangible connections to transportation history. For details, visit Central Mass Auctions.