Capital Campaign · 2025–2027
Build the next century
of the Depot.
The Annex Project will add a dedicated exhibit hall, climate-controlled archive, and education space to the historic Tehachapi Depot — tripling our capacity to preserve and share the story of the mountain railroad.
Why Now
We've outgrown the depot we worked so hard to save.
Since reopening in 2010, the museum has welcomed visitors from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. Our archive of photographs, timetables, and oral histories has more than doubled — and most of it sits in storage, waiting for a place to be seen.
The Annex will add roughly 4,800 square feet of purpose-built space adjacent to the historic depot, designed to complement the original 1904 architecture without competing with it.
What Your Gift Builds
Three new spaces, one shared story.
Exhibit Hall
A 2,400 sq ft gallery for rotating exhibits, large-scale models, and traveling collections from partner museums.
Climate Archive
Properly conditioned storage for fragile photographs, maps, and records — the heart of our research collection.
Education Room
A dedicated space for school groups, lectures, and the docent training program.
Architectural Renderings
A new wing, in keeping with the old.
Concept · Subject to change
Every Gift Counts
Lay a board. Drive a nail. Build the Annex.
Gifts of every size are recognized in the Annex donor wall. The Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) — donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Giving Levels
Naming opportunities.
Friend
$100+
Brakeman
$500+
Engineer
$2,500+
Cornerstone
$10,000+