NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Union Station railroad history museum is chugging quietly forward, thanks to the efforts of a group of dedicated volunteers who meet every Saturday morning at the recently renovated space.
The station, known around town as the Depot, was burned in an arson fire in 2001, just weeks after the terror attacks of Sept. 11.
It took 18 years of red tape and delays by the federal government to rebuild the edifice, which is an emotional and geographical center of the town.
In order to secure government grants, the building had to be owned by a nonprofit. The Connecticut Railroad Historical Association took over ownership of the building and oversaw the long and complex restoration.
The building opened again to the public last summer, with the Great Falls brewery and pub in what used to be Keilty’s restaurant at the time of the fire.
It’s taken a little longer for the museum space in the other half of the building to come to life. As of last weekend, when state Sen. Craig Miner (R-30) came by for a visit, the tops of the walls had been decorated with old railroad lanterns that have been collected from a variety of sources. Some were in the original Depot building and survived the fire. Another relic that survived is a part of the old ticket booth; a special wall was built to house the old sales window.
Inside what used to be the ticket office are neat stacks of old railway timetables and railroad hobbyist magazines.
On Saturday, April 13, before the senator’s arrival, a group of railroad buffs and three helpers from North Canaan’s Cranford Club (Bunny McGuire, Pat Graf and Mary Monnier) prepared a display of old photos (including many of the 2001 fire) to hang on a column in the center of the room.
David Adams was there, standing quietly and proudly beside the replica built by his father, Fred, of a 1931 steam locomotive. The model can run on steam and coal but hasn’t been started since 1985.
Another notable display is a sprawling dollhouse-sized mockup showing the historic district in Salisbury, complete with the tracks of the old CNE railroad.
This exhibit has been a true community effort, with no single person in charge. Volunteers have been working hard to get the exhibit ready for a possible open house on Memorial Day weekend.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
