When members of the NCR/Hereford Volunteer Association launched their eight-sign interpretation project along the trail, they thought they knew the scope of the story. But as the research unfolded, they quickly found themselves overwhelmed—in the best way possible—by a wealth of hidden stories, rare photographs, and rich historical material that no single set of signs could hold.
That overflow of history sparked something bigger. It pointed members of the NCR/Hereford Volunteer Association right back to the heart of the community and inspired their current initiative: a complete reinterpretation and update of the museum at Monkton Station.
Join us for an inside look at how a modest trail-marking project evolved into a comprehensive museum revival. The session explores the archival deep-dives, the unexpected discoveries, and the practical steps of bringing local history to life. It’s a classic preservation story: how following one thread of history can lead to pulling open a whole vault of forgotten local heritage—and how community interest can turn a simple trail walk into a lasting cultural asset.
NCR/Hereford Volunteer Association:
The NCR/Hereford Volunteer Association supports the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail and the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park through volunteer service, historical research, educational programs, and interpretation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The Association is currently leading a project to reinterpret and update the museum at historic Monkton Station.
Frank Wrabel:
Frank is a local railroad historian and a leading authority on the history of the Northern Central Railway who is working with the NCR/Hereford Volunteer Association on the reinterpretation of the Monkton Station museum.
Jon Schreiber:
Jon is a local physician and Chair of the Projects and Programs Committee of the NCR/Hereford Volunteer Association. He led the Association’s historical sign project along the NCR Trail and now leads the project to reinterpret and update the museum at Monkton Station.
