The University of West Florida Historic Trust received a $110,000 gift from the McMillan family and $400,000 from the late Barbara Goggins estate in an effort to enhance the train exhibition and improve the outdoor space around the Museum of Industry. The new train canopy area includes a locomotive and flat car formerly owned by the T.R. Miller Mill Company as well as an L&N caboose. The new space will be named the Barbara Goggins Train Pavilion in recognition of her support of the project.
“We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for their support in making the restoration of our historic train a reality,” said Rob Overton, executive director of UWF Historic Trust. “Their contributions have not only preserved a piece of our community’s history but have also enriched our museum site with a new and engaging interactive exhibit. This restoration will undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience and provide a deeper connection to our past.”
More than 50 years ago, the UWF Historic Trust acquired the locomotive and flat car from the T.R. Miller Mill Company as an addition to the Museum of Industry. Since that time, the engine sat outside of the museum and was viewed and enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors. In 2023, the need for restoration of the locomotive and flat car was evident and the UWF Historic Trust needed assistance to fund the restoration. The new restoration project includes a canopy, interpretive panels about the train and a refurbished engine for visitors to walk into.
- “Our family is proud to see our contributions put to work in support of this restoration project,” said Tom McMillan. “We hope this new, interactive space will be enjoyed by many visitors for years to come.”
For more information about UWF Historic Trust, visit historicpensacola.org.
