The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is asking for community help as it begins a cosmetic restoration of Fort Smith Light & Traction trolley #224, the museum’s primary operating car and a rolling piece of local history.
Museum leaders say volunteers, donations, and materials are needed to help repaint and refresh the nearly 100-year-old trolley ahead of a milestone anniversary next year.
Why Trolley #224 Matters
Trolley #224 has been the backbone of the museum’s operations for more than 30 years. Built in 1926, the car has carried thousands of riders and remains one of the few operating heritage streetcars in the region.
Unlike static museum displays, #224 is still used regularly, giving visitors a rare chance to experience Fort Smith’s transit history in motion. Decades of constant service, however, have taken their toll — particularly on the trolley’s exterior paint and interior woodwork.
What the Restoration Includes
According to the museum, the current project focuses on cosmetic restoration, including:
Repainting the exterior of trolley #224
Restoring and refinishing interior wood surfaces
Addressing visible wear caused by long-term daily use
Major mechanical work was completed this past summer to ensure the trolley remains reliable and safe. With the mechanical side handled, the focus has now shifted to appearance and preservation.
The goal is to have #224 looking its best as the museum prepares to celebrate the trolley’s 100th birthday next summer.
About the Fort Smith Trolley Museum
Founded by the Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association in 1979, the Fort Smith Trolley Museum preserves and interprets the city’s transit and rail history. The museum opened its first building in 1985 and expanded through the 1990s, eventually establishing its current site and operating trolley line.
In addition to trolley #224, the museum houses a variety of historic rail equipment and artifacts, offering visitors a hands-on look at Fort Smith’s transportation past.
The video below offers an in-depth look at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum and its historic rail collection, including trolley #224 (approx. 15 minutes).
How the Community Can Help
The museum is currently seeking:
Volunteers to assist with restoration work
Donations to support materials and supplies
Materials that may be useful for repainting and restoration
Anyone interested in helping can:
Send a message to the Fort Smith Trolley Museum on Facebook
Call the museum directly at 479-461-2583
Museum officials say every contribution — whether time, materials, or financial support — helps ensure this piece of Fort Smith history remains operational for future generations.
Looking Ahead
As Fort Smith approaches the 100th anniversary of trolley #224, museum leaders hope the restoration will not only preserve a historic vehicle, but also renew community awareness of the role public transit once played — and still plays — in the city’s story.
For residents looking to give back locally, the project offers a hands-on way to support living history right here in Fort Smith.
Want to help?
The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is seeking volunteers, donations, and materials to support the restoration of trolley #224.
📞 Call: 479-461-2583
💬 Message: Fort Smith Trolley Museum on Facebook