Toledo, Ohio – March 8, 2026 – The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum (TLE&W) is proud to officially unveil our completely redesigned website at tlew.org to the public!
After a successful soft launch earlier this month—where our dedicated members got the first look and provided valuable feedback—we’re excited to share this modern, user-friendly platform with everyone interested in Northwest Ohio’s rich railroad heritage.
As a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1965, TLE&W preserves and celebrates the history of the Clover Leaf Route and regional railroading through museum exhibits, historic motorcar rides (returning in May 2026!), equipment restoration efforts (including our 1953 ALCO S4 locomotive No. 5109 and passenger coaches), and community engagement. The new website makes it easier than ever to explore our story, discover our collections, and get involved.
Highlights of the Revamped Website:
- Interactive Collections & Map — Browse our indoor and outdoor artifacts with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. The standout interactive map pins key railroad locations and equipment pieces, allowing you to zoom in, learn more, and get directions to features on-site.
- Upcoming QR Code Enhancements — Soon, signage with QR codes will be added to many outdoor collection items. Scan them during your visit for instant access to the full web page dedicated to that artifact—bringing even more depth to your museum experience.
- Members-Only Area — Exclusive content for members, including announcements about work days, meetings, and more. (Members: Check your email for login details if you haven’t already!)
- Ways to Get Involved — Clear information on membership benefits (applications available for mail-in or in-person), donating historical artifacts or supporting our endowment fund, volunteering opportunities, and how to contact us.
- Donor Recognition & Visuals — A special thank-you to our generous supporters and partners, plus curated photos and links to our social media channels for the latest updates and event highlights.
- Modern & Responsive Design — Enjoy a seamless experience on any device—phone, tablet, or computer.
A Note on Online Features: We’re actively finalizing the PayPal integration for online membership sign-ups and donations. This convenient option will launch soon—stay tuned for a dedicated announcement when it’s live!
To celebrate the official public launch, we’ve prepared a special YouTube video featuring a tour of the new website highlights, a look at our ongoing restoration projects, and a message from our team about what’s ahead for 2026. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/U-hih-hysBQ?si=zwkSXxKAQ3Ko3hNd , at the top of this post, or search for “Official Website Launch – March 8, 2026” on our channel @TLEWRailwayMuseum.
We invite visitors, history enthusiasts, families, and potential volunteers to explore tlew.org today! Whether you’re planning a future visit, considering membership, or simply love railroads, there’s something for everyone.
Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and other social channels for real-time news, event updates, and more glimpses into our preservation work. For questions, tour info (when operations resume), volunteering, or membership details, visit our contact page or call (419) 878-2177.
Thank you for your support in keeping Northwest Ohio’s railroad legacy alive—we look forward to welcoming you online and, soon, back on the rails!
About TLE&W: The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum is committed to preserving and sharing the history of railroads in Northwest Ohio through educational displays, historic experiences, and community participation. Learn more at tlew.org.