The mission of the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad (SMVRR) is to preserve, improve, and interpret historical and contemporary aspects of the SMVRR. We provide our members and the public with educational programs such as history, current business practices, and trends related to railroading in general and the SMVRR in particular.
Friends also conducts various activities such as field trips, tours, and travel. Friends is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization.
More information is on our About page.
We welcome your Donations to Friends!
CABOOSE 210 COMES HOME !
The Santa Maria Valley Railroad’s Caboose 210 was brought back home to the Santa Maria Valley Railroad on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The Guadalupe Amtrak Station and parking lot are undergoing a major renovation which necessitated removal of the caboose. The caboose was moved to the Santa Maria Osburn Rail Yard and will now be restored by the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad. Help us restore 210 with your volunteer time, donations, or other support.
Click here for more info and photos of the move.
Click here to donate to the restoration of Caboose 210.
Current Activities:
August 15, 2026 -- Annual Friends BBQ and Open House at the SMVRR
Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad members are invited to this years Annual Open House and BBQ hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Railroad on Saturday, August 15 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. A Santa Maria style tri-tip BBQ lunch will be served. There will also be a silent auction and the company store -- all of the profits will go towards the Betty Himoto Memorial Scholarship Fund.
More info is on the BBQ Page.
May 16, 2026
Dinner Gala and Fundraiser
We had our best Gala ever --- thank you very much to all our donors, attendees, and sponsors. Everyone really enjoyed a nice evening visiting with friends, eating a delicious dinner, and sharing desserts with others.
More Info
Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum
Come and See the NEW Santa Maria Valley Railroad ExhibitThe new and improved SMVRR exhibit celebrates the 100th Anniversary of Captain G.A. Hancock's purchase of the SMVRR.
The Santa Maria Valley Historical Museum is located at 616 S. Broadway in Santa Maria and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
OUR SPONSORS:We welcome new sponsors to expand our programs and tours, and fund educational activities. |
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