The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum will be closed until Aug. 2 as a result of significant flood damage suffered on June 18, the museum has announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Storms brought more than 7 inches of rain in a three-hour period, causing widespread damage throughout New York\u2019s Monroe County. Museum damage included significant washouts in areas supporting its railroad tracks, making excursion operations unsafe, according to a museum post on Facebook<\/a>. Crews are currently assessing the full extent of damage and the repairs needed. Those holding tickets for June or July will receive full refunds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, we rely on ticket sales to support our mission,\u201d the museum said in a press release. \u201cHowever, the safety of our guests, volunteers, and equipment must always come first. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work to restore operations and preserve Rochester\u2019s rich railroading heritage for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The museum is soliciting donations to help defray repair costs at the donation page on its website<\/a>. Follow the website<\/a> or the museum\u2019s Facebook page<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The museum, an all-volunteer organization dating to the 1937 founding of the Rochester Chapter of the National Railway Historical society, is based in a former Erie Lackawanna station in Rush, about 15 miles south of Rochester, N.Y. It has preserved more than 40 pieces of historic equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n