The Arizona Street Railway Museum

The Arizona Street Railway Museum, also known as the Phoenix Trolley Museum, is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation based in downtown Phoenix. Incorporated in 1977, ASRM is devoted to the acquisition, restoration, exhibit, and interpretation of historic streetcars, and specifically Phoenix’s streetcar system. ASRM’s museum and workshop are currently located on the grounds of the Ellis-Shackelford House at 1242 N. Central Avenue, bordering the north side of Hance (“Deck”) Park. The group currently owns and restores 2 historic streetcars, including the mostly-restored “#116,” a Brill Safety Car that was part of Phoenix’s streetcar fleet after 1928. The museum’s facilities include a small exhibit space inside the former Shackelford dental office building, a “trolley shed” used as a workshop that appears roughly like an original corrugated metal Phoenix trolley shed, and a short length of track (approximately 100 feet) that allows the streetcars to be moved out of the shed for occasional display and interpretation.

ASRM has desired for years to expand their operation and operate their restored streetcars in an appropriate setting. One recent proposal has been to lay track alongside Hance Park on the shoulder of Culver Street for a block or so. The group has also considered relocating to Papago Park. None of these dreams has come to fruition due to lack of funding.

The City of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office has recently acquired the Ellis-Shackelford House property from ADOT. The City’s long-term vision for the property may not include the ASRM, as the museum and exterior trackage do not enhance the historic appearance of the main building on the site, the Ellis-Shackelford House. For now, ASRM holds a year-to-year lease on their part of the site. They are responsible for their own utilities and upkeep, which the group finds to be a drain on their resources.

For more information, see www.phoenixtrolley.com.

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