By Sallieu S. Kanu
National Railway Museum, Cline Town, Freetown: On March 13, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Monuments and Relics Commission and the National Railway Museum, celebrated the 20th anniversary of Sierra Leone’s National Railway Museum.
The event also marked the 126th anniversary of the Sierra Leone Railway, 50 years since its closure in 1974, and the fifth anniversary of the Railway Heritage Club in Bauya. Diplomats, Friends of the Railway Museum, school children, and key stakeholders gathered to commemorate this momentous occasion.
The Sierra Leone Government Railway was officially closed in 1974. However, a collection of rolling stock was preserved at the former railway workshops to form what would become the National Railway Museum. During the years of civil war, these collections remained hidden, believed by many to have been destroyed. In 2004, restoration began under the initiative of Rtd. Colonel Steve Davies, a British Army officer. Former President Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabba lent his support to the project, culminating in the museum’s grand opening in 2005.
The 20th anniversary festivities were highlighted by an extraordinary motorbike journey undertaken by Education and Outreach Officer Patrick Massaquoi. He traveled from Freetown to Pendembu and other former railway stations, collecting stories and presenting medals to retired railway workers, paying homage to their invaluable contributions.
Founder of the National Railway Museum, Rtd. Colonel Steve Davies, emphasized the museum’s historical and cultural importance, noting its role in preserving Sierra Leone’s unique railway legacy. Helen Ashby, Chairperson of the Friends of Sierra Leone National Railway Museum UK, applauded local efforts to safeguard the nation’s heritage, expressing gratitude for the museum’s continued impact.
Representing the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, the Director of Culture, Creativity, and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, extended the Minister’s appreciation to the organizing team for hosting the multi-faceted celebration. Jalloh also reassured attendees that the Ministry is working on establishing a buffer zone around the museum to prevent incidents like the fire that previously threatened the site and ensure its long-term safety.
Speeches from prominent figures, including British High Commissioner Josephine Gauld, Director of Tourism and Travel Exchange Programme Mohamed Jalloh, and Ann-Marie Wright, Trustee of the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, highlighted the museum’s ongoing significance.
Adding a creative flair, children from Arimah’s Reading Club performed a short dramatization, recounting the railway’s history, its closure, and the challenges that followed. The celebration concluded with awards recognizing individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to the museum’s preservation and growth.
This milestone event not only honored the National Railway Museum’s achievements over two decades but also underscored its crucial role in keeping Sierra Leone’s railway heritage alive for future generations. Through collective efforts, the museum stands as a testament to the nation’s rich cultural and historical legacy.