The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Monuments and Relics Commission and the National Railway Museum, has on March 13, 2025, commemorated the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum’s twentieth anniversary.

The event also marked the 126th anniversary of the Sierra Leone Railway, which closed 50 years ago in 1974, as well as the 5th anniversary of the Railway Heritage Club in Bauya. Diplomats, Friends of the Railway Museum, schools, and other stakeholders attended the celebration, reviving the event’s historical importance.

The Sierra Leone Government Railway, which ended operations in 1974, retained a collection of rolling stock at the former railway workshops, which became the foundation for the museum.

Despite the problems faced by Sierra Leone’s civil war, which resulted in the loss of much of the collection, attempts to restore the museum began in 2004, due to the initiative of British Army officer Retd. Colonel Steve Davies. Former President Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah supported the restoration of the railway history in 2005, which paved the path for the museum’s launch.

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Patrick Massaquoi, Education and Outreach Officer, led a symbolic motorcycle trip from Freetown to Pendembu and numerous historic railway stations to kick off the centenary celebrations. Throughout the trip, Massaquoi interacted with retired railway personnel, listening to their tales and awarding medals in gratitude of their achievements.

Colonel Steve Davies, founder of the National Railway Museum, explained the significance of the event and the museum’s role in conserving Sierra Leone’s railway heritage.

Helen Ashby, Chairperson of the Friends of the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum in the United Kingdom, lay emphacy on the museum’s relevance and praised local people for their efforts to protect the country’s historical riches.

Foday Jalloh, Director of Culture, Creativity, and Innovation, expressed thanks to the Minister of Tourism for the ongoing efforts to celebrate Sierra Leone’s railway history during his keynote presentation. Jalloh informed participants that the Ministry is taking steps to prevent future events, such as establishing a buffer zone surrounding the museum to protect it from possible threats.

British Commissioner Josephine Gauld, Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh, and Ann-Marie Wright, Trustee of the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway, all spoke at the event about the National Railway Museum’s cultural significance and the critical role it plays in preserving Sierra Leonean heritage.

The celebrations included a short performance by youngsters from Arimahs Reading Club, who displayed the railway’s history and activities while reflecting on the negative consequences of its closure. To finish the occasion, various individuals and institutions were honored for their remarkable contributions to the preservation of the National Railway Museum.