Episode 23 - Jeanine DeBor

Join host Chase McClain of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency as he welcomes Jeanine DeBor, Executive Director and CEO of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, for a fascinating journey through the history of one of Washington County's most beloved attractions. Jeanine shares her family's personal connection to the museum, including her grandfather's decades of service maintaining Pittsburgh's trolleys and volunteering to preserve their legacy. Discover how the museum has transformed with its new Welcome and Education Center, interactive exhibits, and beautifully restored historic streetcars, including the iconic Terrible Trolley and the trolley made famous by Mr. Rogers. From the golden age of trolley transportation to the museum's popular Magic Pumpkin Trolley and Santa Trolley events, this episode highlights the people, stories, and unforgettable experiences that continue to bring history to life for visitors of all ages.

All Aboard History: Exploring the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum with Jeanine DeBor

There was a time when trolleys were the heartbeat of communities throughout Western Pennsylvania. They carried workers to their jobs, families to local shops, and neighbors to theaters, churches, and community gatherings. More than simply a way to get from one place to another, trolleys helped shape the cities, suburbs, and communities we know today.

At the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington County, PA, that remarkable history isn't just preserved behind glass. It's an experience visitors can see, touch, and ride.

On Episode 23 of the WashCo Insider, host Chase McClain of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency welcomes Jeanine DeBor, Executive Director and CEO of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, to explore the museum's rich history, its incredible transformation, and the family-friendly attractions and events that make it a must-visit destination in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

A Family Connection That Spans Generations

For Jeanine DeBor, leading the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is more than a professional responsibility. It's a deeply personal connection to her family's history.

Her grandfather, Tony DeSensi, was a Washington County native who spent much of his career working on Pittsburgh's trolley system. His own father worked at a trolley car house, introducing Tony to the world of streetcars at an early age. By the time Tony was just seven years old, he was already learning how to operate a trolley.

After serving in World War II, Tony continued his career maintaining trolleys, signals, and electrical infrastructure for Pittsburgh's transportation system. When he retired, he immediately began volunteering at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, where he dedicated nearly 23 years to preserving the vehicles and sharing his knowledge with future generations.

Jeanine grew up visiting and volunteering at the museum alongside her grandfather, creating a connection that would eventually lead her to become its Executive Director and CEO.

Her professional journey took her from a career in law to 15 years in development and alumni relations at Duquesne University before she joined the museum. Today, her passion for history and the volunteers who built the museum continues to guide her leadership.

For Jeanine, preserving the legacy of her grandfather and the countless volunteers who dedicated their lives to the museum is at the heart of everything she does.

From Three Streetcars to a Nationally Recognized Museum

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum's story began in the 1940s, when a group of streetcar enthusiasts formed the Pittsburgh Electric Railway Club.

Recognizing that trolley transportation was beginning to decline, the group purchased three historic streetcars to preserve them for future generations.

When Pittsburgh Railways abandoned its interurban trolley line connecting Washington and Charleroi to Pittsburgh in 1953, the organization found a permanent home in Washington County. The museum began operating on a portion of the original railway, establishing the foundation for what would become one of the region's most distinctive historical attractions.

More than 70 years later, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum has grown into a destination with a collection of 54 historic streetcars and an expanded campus that welcomes visitors from across the region and beyond.

In 2026, the museum earned national recognition when it was named the number one Best Small Town Museum in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards, a distinction Jeanine credits to the tremendous support of the museum's volunteers, visitors, and surrounding community.

A New Era for the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Visitors who haven't experienced the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in recent years will discover that a great deal has changed.

In November 2023, the museum opened its new East Campus, a major expansion that transformed the visitor experience and brought a decades-long vision to life.

The centerpiece of the expansion is the approximately 21,000-square-foot Welcome and Education Center, which features a spacious entry hall, gift shop, theater, and interactive exhibits.

Visitors can explore 15 interactive exhibits developed in partnership with Carnegie Science Center, including a popular trolley simulator that allows guests to experience what it's like to operate a historic streetcar.

The museum's new Volunteer Boulevard offers another opportunity to step back in time. Featuring 33,000 hand-laid bricks, a beautifully restored historic station, and architectural elements from Pittsburgh's railroad history, the boulevard recreates the atmosphere of a bygone era.

From there, visitors can explore the museum's trolley display building, home to an impressive collection of historic streetcars representing different eras of transportation.

The museum's expansion also incorporates the Swanson Solar Energy System, which includes 937 solar panels that provide electricity for the East Campus buildings and help power the trolleys themselves.

Ride Through History on an Authentic Trolley

What truly sets the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum apart from traditional history museums is the opportunity to experience the past firsthand.

Visitors can climb aboard beautifully restored antique trolleys, some more than a century old, and travel along the same historic railway corridor that once connected communities throughout Washington County.

The museum offers a scenic trolley ride through the valley toward Arden, as well as shorter rides that recreate the experience of traveling by streetcar through a city.

For grandparents who remember riding trolleys in their youth, it's an opportunity to share a piece of their childhood with younger generations. For children, it's a chance to discover an entirely different era of transportation while enjoying an unforgettable family adventure.

With trolley rides, interactive exhibits, historic vehicles, and outdoor play areas, the museum offers plenty for families to explore.

Meet the Terrible Trolley and Other Famous Streetcars

Among the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum's most recognizable vehicles is the Terrible Trolley, a black-and-gold streetcar with a special connection to Pittsburgh Steelers history.

The story began in 1979 when a nine-year-old girl wrote to Pittsburgh Mayor Richard Caliguiri suggesting that a trolley be painted in the Steelers' colors.

Her idea became a reality in January 1980, when the Port Authority unveiled the Terrible Trolley during the excitement surrounding the Steelers' Super Bowl run.

After years in service, the trolley eventually found its way into a private collection in Ohio, where it remained in a barn for approximately 25 years.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum later acquired the historic vehicle and undertook an extensive restoration, returning the Terrible Trolley to its iconic black-and-gold appearance in August 2025.

The museum's collection also includes a New Orleans streetcar associated with the famous play A Streetcar Named Desire, along with a historic Pittsburgh trolley connected to one of the region's most beloved television personalities, Fred Rogers.

During a visit to the museum, Mister Rogers was photographed sitting in the stairwell of one of its original Pittsburgh streetcars while holding the miniature Neighborhood Trolley.

Today, visitors can see the historic vehicle and recreate the memorable photograph themselves.

Fall and Holiday Events at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Beyond its permanent exhibits and historic trolley rides, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.

During the episode, Jeanine highlights several upcoming fall and holiday experiences that offer families even more reasons to visit Washington County.

Magic Pumpkin Trolley

October 9–11 and October 16–18, 2026

One of the museum's most popular fall traditions, the Magic Pumpkin Trolley invites children to board a historic trolley and travel to a special pumpkin patch.

Along the way, children receive a magic pumpkin seed to plant. When they return from their trolley ride, they'll discover that their seed has magically grown into a pumpkin they can take home and decorate.

The experience also includes crafts, refreshments, and opportunities to enjoy the museum's historic trolleys.

Trick or Trolley

October 24–25, 2026

Families can celebrate Halloween with a special trick-or-treating experience inside the museum's trolley display building.

Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy candy, face painting, balloons, and other activities throughout the event.

Thanks to sponsorship support from EQT, admission is free for children during Trick or Trolley.

Santa Trolley

Beginning November 27, 2026

The holiday season brings another beloved tradition to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

Santa Trolley invites families to enjoy a festive ride aboard a historic streetcar, visit with Santa Claus, and participate in holiday crafts and activities.

The event has become a tradition for many families who return year after year to celebrate the season together.

Jeanine encourages visitors to purchase tickets in advance, as Santa Trolley frequently sells out.

Making History Accessible to Everyone

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is also committed to creating welcoming experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities.

In 2023, the museum became a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

The museum offers sensory-friendly hours throughout the year, including special accommodations during popular events such as Magic Pumpkin Trolley and Santa Trolley.

During these sessions, the museum adjusts lighting and sound levels, operates quieter trolleys, and provides access to sensory resources and quiet spaces.

The museum also offers educational experiences such as Trolley Tots, a program designed for children ages two to five, and Brick Club, which provides opportunities for children to develop communication and social skills through creative building activities.

Through its educational programming, accessible experiences, and community partnerships, the museum continues to introduce new generations to the history of transportation.

Plan Your Visit to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lifelong Pittsburgher looking to reconnect with the past, or a family searching for a unique day trip near Pittsburgh, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum offers an experience unlike any other.

Located in Washington County, Pennsylvania, the museum combines historic transportation, interactive learning, and family-friendly entertainment in a setting that celebrates the people and communities that helped shape our region.

During its September through May schedule, the museum is generally open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with hours varying for special events.

For current admission information, event schedules, and tickets, visit PA-Trolley.org