A dedicated group of volunteers staff the museum and gift shop six days a week during the tourist season. They maintain the Goose and the train depot, build exhibits for the museum, operate train excursions for rail fans, and conduct research on the history of the RGS. We have an experienced group of mechanics and motormen who operate and maintain Galloping Goose No. 5.
Funding for GGHS activities comes from membership fees, gift shop sales, excursion revenue, and small grants. There are virtually no tax dollars used to support the activities of the GGHS. Excursion revenue is a major source of funding. The liability and excursion insurance that is purchased annually meets the insurance requirements of the host railroads and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). It represents about 15% of our annual budget. The GGHS cannot operate the Goose without this insurance.
The GGHS is in full agreement with the Town Board and the Rotary Club that the Goose is an important asset to our community. The GGHS is meeting with members of the Town Board and the Dolores Rotary Club at the Town's Jan. 26 workshop. They will discuss Galloping Goose No. 5's long history, first as a railcar with RGS, and then as a static display in Flander's Park, maintained by Jack Kincaid of the Dolores Rotary Club, and finally restored by GGHS in 1998. It is currently maintained and operated by the Galloping Goose Historical Society. Ownership of the Galloping Goose No. 5 is somewhat clouded. The GGHS currently has a restoration agreement and an operating agreement with the Dolores Rotary Club. We look forward to the January workshop to discuss ownership issues and seek some clarity.
Lew Matis,
President of Galloping Goose Historical Society board of directors