About Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad


The mission of the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad (SMVRR) is to preserve, improve, and interpret the historical aspects of the SMVRR. We will provide our members and the public with educational opportunities such as history programs, current business practices, and trends related to railroading in general and the SMVRR in particular. We also preserve and interpret the historical, economic and cultural impact of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad on the Santa Maria Valley and California. Friends is a 501(c)(3) organization where your dues, contributions, and donations are potentially tax deductible based on the law and your circumstances.

Programs and Activities

The Friends regularly schedule presentations by various speakers on a wide range of rail related topics both historic and contemporary. The Santa Maria Valley Railroad often provides updates on their current operations and an overview of major projects and future planning. These Programs are open to Friends members and the public.    See Programs.

Friends periodically provide members only docent lead field trips along the historic right of way of the Pacific Coast Railway and the Santa Maria Valley Railroad to learn about our local rail history. We also exclusively for members schedule group tours of local museums with a rail connection and provide some rail travel opportunities such as the Friends trip to the California State railroad Museum. The annual Friends BBQ hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Railroad at the Osburn Yard gives Friends members an opportunity to tour the yard and learn about the operations and equipment. Become a member of the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad to participate in Friends Activities!    See Activities.