Mercer County is partnering with Liberty Historic Railway, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving New Jersey’s transportation history, to restore two historic trolley cars that once traveled electric railway lines serving Mercer County and the surrounding region.
The cars date to the early 1900s, and the County and Liberty Historic Railway are seeking volunteers to help preserve these unique pieces of local history.
“These trolley cars tell an incredible story about how people lived, worked and traveled through Mercer County more than a century ago,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “By partnering with Liberty Historic Railway, we have an opportunity not only to preserve these pieces of our history, but to give residents a hands-on role in bringing that history back to life.”
One of the cars is a historic snow sweeper, designed to clear snow and ice from electric railway tracks during winter weather. The second has an unusual history: after its service ended, it was incorporated into a private residence in Hamilton Township, where it remained hidden for decades until the house was slated for demolition and the trolley was rediscovered.
Liberty Historic Railway (LHRy) is spearheading the restoration work in partnership with the County.
“These cars are tangible reminders of an important period in the development of Mercer County and New Jersey,” said J. R. May, Executive Director of LHRy. “Restoring them is a significant undertaking, and community volunteers can play an important role in helping us preserve them. Whether you have restoration experience or simply an interest in history and a willingness to learn, we would love to hear from you.
Liberty Historic Railway is seeking volunteers with experience in woodworking, carpentry, metalworking, electrical work, painting, historic preservation, or mechanical restoration. No specialized experience is required, however, and residents with an interest in local history and a willingness to learn are also encouraged to participate.
At the turn of the 20th century, electric trolley lines connected Trenton with surrounding communities and helped shape development throughout Mercer County. The restoration project complements the County’s ongoing efforts to preserve another piece of that transportation history: the former Johnson Trolley Line.
Mercer County is working to restore portions of the historic trolley right-of-way as the Johnson Trolley Line Trail, transforming a former transportation corridor into a recreational trail that can once again connect communities.
“Whether we are restoring the trolley cars themselves or preserving the corridors where they once traveled, these projects give us an opportunity to connect Mercer County’s past with its future,” Benson said. “The Johnson Trolley Line Trail is a great example of how historic preservation can also create something that residents can experience and enjoy every day.”
Together, the trolley restoration and Johnson Trolley Line Trail demonstrate the County’s commitment to finding new ways for residents and visitors alike to connect with local transportation history.
Individuals interested in helping restore the historic trolley cars are encouraged to reach out to Liberty Historic Railway by contacting:
J.R. May, Executive Director of Liberty Historic Railway at jrmay@m3monmouth.com
Volunteer work sessions are usually announced via email and are posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LibertyHistoricRailway
