History of the IRM - Telling The Story

History of the IRM - A Museum In Motion

TELLING THE STORY

As part of its promotional activity, the Museum makes available Chicago Surface Lines motor bus 3407 to civic, municipal, and other groups. Built by White Motor co. in 1944, this restored vehicle is operated by Museum volunteers and has been featured in parades, Hollywood films and other festivities such as the Chicago Transit Authority's 40th Anniversary Celebration at Daley Plaza in 1987.

In cooperation with the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, IRM annually publishes a full color brochure. The Northern Illinois Tourism Council provides publicity and timely public information.

On a funds available basis, IRM advertises special events in local and regional newspapers and railfan publications. In 1991 a billboard along the Northwest Tollway alerted motorists to the Museum's site.

Our volunteers are constantly seeking new ways of publicizing IRM's mission and broadening public awareness and participation. Members present slide and video tape programs to interested groups and distribute IRM's much sought-after yearly calendar.

As a further means of telling the Museum story, members publish The Rail & Wire, a six times a year slick-paper journal of activities, acquisitions and developments. This is distributed to members as a benefit and to donors. It is also available in the Museum Store.