Planned railroad museum in Galesburg to launch new website

GALESBURG, Ill. (AP) - Organizers of a planned national railroad museum in Galesburg say they'll launch a new website next year with stories of railroaders.

Construction on the National Railroad Hall of Fame isn't expected to begin until 2019 as backers continue to raise funds. But the new website is expected in the first half of next year. The (Galesburg) Register Mail reports that it'll feature an enhanced digital tribute library, including first-person accounts and audio transcripts, and a searchable database.

Federal officials designated Galesburg as the site for the national museum in 2003.

Backers are hoping to raise $30 million to build the facility, which includes exhibits and an exterior plaza. Construction is expected to take up to two years after the groundbreaking.