Our Mission
The mission of the Johnson City Railroad Experience is to provide a dynamic destination that tells the story of our region through the lens of its railroads. Through historical collections, educational exhibits, and immersive experiences, we aim to educate, inspire, and bring joy to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Vision
We are committed to preserving and expanding the history of our railroads, their vital role in the origin of Johnson City, and their immense impact on the Appalachian Highlands. The museum stands as a beacon of positivity, providing space for visitors to experience both the nostalgia of the past and the challenges of the future. Above all, we intend to be an integral part of the community, a place where stories converge, memories are made, and the spirit of exploration thrives.
Focus Statement
For the last few years, a dedicated group of advocates have been in search of an off ETSU campus location to move the George L. Carter Railroad Museum. We have looked at many buildings in downtown Johnson City and all were in various states of disrepair. But each time we analyzed the task of turning that building into a museum. Remodeling costs, parking, and location were the three main drivers that ruled a building in or out. Every location was ruled out until a few months ago when we toured the Property Experts building on the corner of 207 Boone/King St. just west of King Common’s Park. The owner of the building is Sam Taylor. The building – move in ready; parking – over 100 spaces; and the location – two blocks from the original site of entrepreneur Henry Johnson’s 1850s water tank in downtown, checked all the boxes. Now, we must commit as a community that the value of the railroad museum can become a valued destination for families, visitors, and schools, while becoming a cornerstone location to tell our history.
But we also believe the history of Johnson City is not just told in a museum, it is a commitment from city leaders, educational institutions, business leaders and it’s citizens to intentionally preserve and share our heritage, be inspired by the spirit of the entrepreneurship that was the core of the city’s growth and ensure that new people moving to our city are grounded in our history, not theirs.
A city can grow in wealth and population, but its unique heritage, is what sets it apart from other cities and adds to a resident’s quality of life. The City of Johnson City would not be here but for the railroads and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. They took a risk, and at least, our generation should ensure we celebrate, learn and drive growth from the residues of their tenacity. Without protecting our culture by telling the stories of our history, a city becomes just “vanilla” or our culture bends to the ways of others.
The Johnson City Railroad Experience, in its new location, will not only be a visible destination to tell our story through the history and lens of the railroad in Johnson City, but also will celebrate the amazing entrepreneurs who laid the foundation of Johnson City. Among these, Henry Johnson and George L. Carter rise to the top. Let us tell their story and more.
by Jenny Brock – Board Member, Mayor Emeritus and Commissioner, Johnson City, TN
But we also believe the history of Johnson City is not just told in a museum, it is a commitment from city leaders, educational institutions, business leaders and it’s citizens to intentionally preserve and share our heritage, be inspired by the spirit of the entrepreneurship that was the core of the city’s growth and ensure that new people moving to our city are grounded in our history, not theirs.
A city can grow in wealth and population, but its unique heritage, is what sets it apart from other cities and adds to a resident’s quality of life. The City of Johnson City would not be here but for the railroads and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. They took a risk, and at least, our generation should ensure we celebrate, learn and drive growth from the residues of their tenacity. Without protecting our culture by telling the stories of our history, a city becomes just “vanilla” or our culture bends to the ways of others.
The Johnson City Railroad Experience, in its new location, will not only be a visible destination to tell our story through the history and lens of the railroad in Johnson City, but also will celebrate the amazing entrepreneurs who laid the foundation of Johnson City. Among these, Henry Johnson and George L. Carter rise to the top. Let us tell their story and more.
by Jenny Brock – Board Member, Mayor Emeritus and Commissioner, Johnson City, TN
Meet The Board
Dr. Fred Alsop – Director and President
Professor Emeritus at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) – During his career he chaired the Biology Department, was president of the Faculty Senate, and a member of the ETSU Board of Trustees. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the George L. Carter Railroad Museum on the campus and served as the Museum Director while it was on the campus.
Mrs. Jenny Brock – Director/ Secretary
Since 2013, Mrs. Brock has served Johnson City as Mayor, Vice-Mayor and Commissioner. She brings to the Museum deep knowledge of Johnson City, city government, and the region.
Dr. Ron Roach – Director
Dr. Roach is a Professor and the Chair of the Department of Appalachian Studies at ETSU, and serves as the Director of the Reece Museum, a unit of the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services. His knowledge and experience of Museum management will help guide the management of the New Museum.
Dr. John Dodge – Director
Dr. Dodge, since 2014 is an adjunct professor of Economics at ETSU and Virginia Highlands College, having taught Industrial Economics at several universities since 1976. He has served as a Board member of numerous religious and corporate organizations.
Mrs. Brenda Whitson – Director
Since 1998, Mrs. Whitson is the Executive Director of the Johnson City tourism development group – Visit Johnson City. She brings extensive knowledge of the tourism of the region and how the museum can cooperate with Johnson City. Her invaluable advice and assistance on with communications and tourism is appreciated.
Mr. Sam Taylor – Director
Mr. Taylor is a successful retail and realty businessman in Johnson City with family roots in the region going back 3 generations and over 100 years. He has unique knowledge of the history of Johnson City and its development and a vested interest in the success of the new Museum.
Mr. Josh Smith
Ms. Sherry Grygotis
EXPERIENCE THE RAILROAD!
Come Visit Our Museum
Explore our captivating exhibits and discover upcoming excursions that bring the rich history of our city's railroads to life!