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.
The Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company is excited to announce that Electrify 429 has received an $8,000 grant from the Indiana Historical Society’s Heritage Support Grant Program; in addition to a $1,200 match from a private trust and generous donors. Heritage Support Grants are provided by the Indiana Historical Society and made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc.
It’s hard to believe that already one year has gone by since the founding of our organization. As a quick introduction, my name is Austin Mace and I am the current president of the Hoosier Heartland Trolley Company (HHTC). I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight what we’ve accomplished in the past 365 days, where we’re going next and how we got here in the first place.
At this point-in-time, our team rolled up our sleeves and entered the scene in crisis mode as part of a serious effort to acquire as many of the remaining electric railway cars as possible. Although beaten and battered, these cars were the last glimpses into an industry that built Indiana into what it is today - a cultural phenomenon that employed thousands, moved millions, and opened Indiana up to economic possibilities never before seen nor contemplated.
-Long days, late nights, conference calls, precision logistics, all while balancing full-time careers, family obligations, etc. This is what occurs day-in and day-out within preservation groups across the country. For our new nonprofit organization near Indianapolis, it has been no exception relocating Indiana’s last surviving trolleys.
A group of historic preservationists is pleased to announce the formation of the Hoosier Heartland Trolley Co. The group is a forming nonprofit preservation organization dedicated to the interpretation, preservation, and operation of historic railroad artifacts significant to Indiana’s rich, yet mostly forgotten electric railway history.
