The Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company is excited to announce that interurban No. 429 has received a $4,999 Heritage Support Grant from the Indiana Historical Society. The grant project will provide for new boarding steps, baggage room ladders and the iconic “cowcatcher” or pilot on the front, which resembles a snowplow and prevents objects from being caught underneath the train.
A century ago, Indiana's high-speed interurban electric trains empowered Hoosiers to pursue an education, expand economic opportunity, visit loved ones, quickly ship perishable goods - and, electrify rural communities. For the first time since 1940, more than 83 years later, interurban no. 429 lives again as the only original Indiana interurban operational within the state. This accomplishment is thanks in no small part to two Heritage Support Grants provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc., more than 3,500 volunteer hours and nearly $100,000 in total contributions.
Interurban No. 429 has received a $40,000 Heritage Support Grant provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc. The grant project will allow the car to move and stop under its own power for the first time since 1940, marking a significant achievement on the journey to establishing the state’s only electric heritage railroad. The organization is raising $6,000 for a 15 percent match in new fundraising as part of the grant, amplifying donor impact by more than six-fold.
2021 was another year of growth and progress for the nonprofit Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company, as the organization not only moved Union Traction Co. interurban no. 429 closer to revival, but also expanded capacity and resources. We hope you find our progress inspiring and consider a tax-deductible donation or membership to support this project, which will facilitate educational, community placemaking and economic development opportunities for Hoosiers.
