The Lomita Railroad Museum was the first of its kind west of Denver, Colorado. It was made possible through the generosity of Mrs. Irene Lewis who donated the Museum to the City of Lomita in honor of her late husband, Martin Lewis, in 1967. It was a rather natural thing for Mrs. Lewis to do since she had been a dedicated railroader and spent many years building Little Engines, a business devoted entirely to developing and manufacturing miniature steam operated locomotives which were sold all over the world. The museum proudly displays some of these locomotives.

The Museum was built in 1966. Much research and study was given to depot structures before the final home for the Museum was chosen. Mrs. Lewis chose to copy the Boston & Maine's Greenwood Station at Wakefield, Massachusetts, which was built before the turn of the century. The Museum has been referred to as a "work of art". Everyone who worked on the building was an artist in his line. This of course includes John W. Gallareto, the designer and builder. No expense was spared to produce a proper and appropriate treasury to house the valuable historical items on display in the Museum.

Dedicated to the proud era of the steam engine, complete authenticity is the hallmark of the Museum. On display is a Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive (1902-1960) and Tender. Nearby stand a 1910 Union Pacific Caboose and a modern all steel Santa Fe caboose. On display at the Annex Park are a 1923 Union Oil Tank Car and a 1913 Southern Pacific outside-braced wood box car. Also check out our Water Tower.

And of course who can forget the 72 x 25 ft. Railroad Mural that used to decorate the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Narbonne Ave. Postcards of the old mural are available at the museum.

The Lomita Railroad Museum continues its building toward the future.

Our first expansion project was to construct a 35 ft tall water tower adjacent to the locomotive. Water towers were critical to the operation of locomotives in the steam railroading era. This project was completed in 2001.

Soon after, the Irene Lewis park was extensively landscaped. The retaining wall around the park was replaced and water, power and drainage infrastructure were installed in preparation for the future Museum expansion. CLICK HERE & HERE to see the grand opening festivities.

In 2005, the Museum was awarded a state grant by California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) through the California State Library to develop architectural plans for a new facility which would meet the following critical needs -

• an expansion to the current museum for additional display, research, storage, work areas, office space, and other
• an educational center able to accommodate class size student groups for hands-on activities and programs
• a community center able to accommodate the many unmet needs in the City for meeting space and community activities
• a home for the Lomita Historical Society

The drawing below (soon to be available) shows the current museum and the proposed expansion when complete. Expansion of the museum will allow us to showcase many more railroad related artifacts that we have in storage waiting to be enjoyed by the public. The expanded facility will also allow us to provide educational programming to larger student groups and serve as a community center for the City.

The expanded facilities at the Lomita Railroad Museum will provide greater enjoyment and educational benefits to all who visit the Museum and are sure to bring many more returning visitors.

The Museum needs your help with its expansion. Please CLICK HERE to see how you can assist.