UPDATE!
Since a major restoration project kicked off in 2017, the historic station used by President Theodore Roosevelt has received much-needed repairs and enthusiastic support from the local community.
As of December 2018, the west end of the station was progressing nicely toward its 1920’s appearance. With only some stucco work, reinstallation of some oyster shells and trim to be done, this side will soon be finished!
The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum hopes to reopen the building in 2019 with new interactive displays and rotating exhibits. The restored station will feature a Visitor Center, with information about Oyster Bay’s numerous historic sites, cultural destinations, restaurants, and retail stores.
Click HERE to learn more about the restoration project. For more news and updates, visit the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum’s informative website and “Railyard Blog”.
Designed by noted railroad architect Bradford Lee Gilbert, the old Oyster Bay Railroad Station (built 1889) is a locally designated landmark that is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Significant for its association to both President Theodore Roosevelt and the history of Long Island railroading, it ceased operation as a station in 1999 and was acquired by the Town of Oyster Bay in 2004 after the formation of its stewarding organization, the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum. The site has been subject to extensive planning and assessment and is ready for restoration and museum conversion. However, the lack of collaborative support and funding delayed the project for years. In 2011, the building was threatened by inertia and deterioration.
STATUS 2015-2019: IMPROVED
• Oyster Bay Railroad Museum is actively raising funds to the restoration project and reopening of the station.
• The final fundraiser push is underway and energy is high for restoration and reuse.
• Listing has helped to bring public attention to the site’s significance and threat.
