Celebrating the Enginehouse’s Initiators

In the fall of 2011, celebratory wooden train whistles rang out as construction of Oregon Rail Heritage Center began. Then in September 2012, the building we know today opened its doors to visitors for the first time. Countless volunteer hours were dedicated to this massive project. In its early days ORHF’s primary mission was to …

Volunteer Spotlight – Linda Johnston

It began with a train ride on Mother’s Day in 2022. Linda’s visit to the Enginehouse prompted her to inquire about volunteering here. She was fast-tracked through the volunteer process and is now one of our valued greeters. A lover of trains her entire life, Linda is delighted to have seen the Freedom Train in …

Volunteer Spotlight – John Pohlpeter

John Pohlpeter can be seen at the Enginehouse most Wednesdays, and many other days as well. A fireman on the SP 4449 crew, John also works on the Polson #2 during Holiday Express. He is passionate about the Center and the locomotives and is always one of the first to jump in when help of …

Volunteer Spotlight – Scott Davidson

A life-long lover of trains, Scott Davidson (known as Scotty around here) became a volunteer at ORHC in 2019. Encouraged by his mom, he found it a great way to give back to the community. He loves spending afternoons in the Enginehouse as a docent and says the people—both volunteers and visitors—are the key to …

Volunteer Spotlight – James Jones

James Jones is known around the Center as James, JP, Stealth Docent (he appears regularly—without signing up in advance) and Neon Thunder (for his hi-viz rain gear). James is a Portland area native. He has four brothers, four sisters and is right in the middle as the fourth oldest of the group. Married to Marcie …