Steam Locomotive Heritage Association

11/02/2026

SANTA'S GOT A NEW RIDE, AND HE'S MAKING A STOP IN HARTFORD!

The countdown to Christmas is on, and we're getting ready to welcome Santa to Hartford in a way you won't see every day! Forget the sleigh bells and reindeer for a moment… imagine the sound of a steam whistle, the smell of coal smoke, and a 1913 steam locomotive bringing a little extra holiday magic to town!

Bring the kids, invite the grandparents, and make some memories with us!

🎅 Meet Santa Claus!
🚂 See a historic steam locomotive up close!
❤️ Celebrate a beloved Hartford holiday tradition!

FREE admission! Donations are always appreciated and help keep this special tradition alive.

📅 November 14, 2026
⏰ 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM
📍 Main Street & Wisconsin Avenue, Hartford, WI

Santa's trading horsepower for steam power. Don't miss his arrival!

SHARE THIS POST and help spread the holiday cheer!

10/29/2026

The SLHA crew would like to congratulate the Milwaukee Brewers on their first World Series championship in franchise history!

Follow, Like, and Share our page for the most up to date information on operations of Soo Line 1003 Steam Locomotive.

10/27/2026

WHO NEEDS A SLEIGH WHEN YOU HAVE A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE?!

This year, Santa is rolling into Hartford with a little extra steam, a whole lot of holiday magic, and a ride aboard the Soo Line 1003!

Join us for the Hartford Santa Train on Saturday, November 14, and bring the entire family for a festive trip back in time. Meet Santa Claus, soak up the Christmas spirit, and see a real piece of railroad history up close!

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
⏰ 10:45 AM – 2:15 PM
📍 Corner of Main Street & Wisconsin Avenue, Hartford, WI

Best of all, this holiday event is FREE to attend! Donations to SLHA are greatly appreciated and help keep this special Hartford tradition steaming along for years to come.

Gather the family, spread the word, and come see why Santa's trading his sleigh for steam!

10/14/2026

KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE, GENERATION AFTER GENERATION!

DID YOU KNOW? Steam Locomotive Heritage Association is home to not one but TWO different grandfather-and-grandson pairs who are both part of our crew! These family connections are a wonderful example of how a love of railroading, hands-on knowledge, and a passion for preserving history are passed from one generation to the next.

At the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association, Soo Line #1003 is more than a historic steam locomotive. It’s a living classroom where generations of crew share their skills and knowledge while helping inspire the next generation of railroaders and preservationists.

We’re proud to preserve our railroad heritage, teach future generations, and see that tradition continue within our very own crew!

Our $8,000 matching donation campaign is ongoing and helping support Soo Line 1003’s yearly operation needs. Your donation can go twice as far while matching funds remain available! Help us preserve this living piece of history for future generations.

💻 DONATE ONLINE: www.steamlocomotiveheritage.org
Click Contribute → the orange Donate icon → enter your donation. Pay by credit card or PayPal

📬 DONATE BY MAIL:
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association
P.O. Box 270594
Hartford, WI 53027-0594

10/09/2026

WE’RE MAKING PROGRESS — $2,500 RAISED TOWARD OUR $8,000 MATCHING GRANT! MAKE THE WHISTLE BLOW!

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $2,500 toward our $8,000 goal! That means we’re already nearly one-third of the way there, with $5,500 left to raise to unlock the full matching grant.

Every dollar brings us closer to securing an additional $8,000 to support Soo Line 1003’s future.

We’ve built momentum, but we still need YOUR help! Please consider donating today. Your contribution can go TWICE as far!

💻 DONATE ONLINE: www.steamlocomotiveheritage.org
Click Contribute → the orange Donate icon → enter your donation. Pay by credit card or PayPal.

📬 DONATE BY MAIL:
Steam Locomotive Heritage Association
P.O. Box 270594
Hartford, WI 53027-0594

Let’s keep this momentum rolling and raise the remaining $5,500!

Help us secure the match. Preserve history. Keep the whistle blowing!



Graphic Design by Joey Smith

10/03/2026

Happy 1003 Day!

1003 heads through Burnett, Wisconsin on September 26, 2026.

If you enjoyed seeing the 1003 in action, please consider making a donation of any size to help keep the fire burning and the whistle blowing. Every contribution directly supports operating expenses.
https://steamlocomotiveheritage.org/contribute/

10/02/2026

The Steam Locomotive Heritage Association extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Wisconsin Chapter National Railway Historical Society(NRHS) and the Soo Line Historical & Technical Society(SLHTS) for their generous sponsorship of the Soo Line 1003’s recent operation celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!

Their support helped make it possible to bring this historic 113-year-old steam locomotive to life and share an important piece of America’s railroad heritage with communities and families across Wisconsin.

For 250 years, America’s story has been built by people, communities, industry, and the transportation systems that connected them. The 1003 helped bring that history to life in a truly unforgettable way last weekend.

Thank you, NRHS and SLTHS, for your partnership to help keep America’s railroad history alive.

If you enjoyed seeing the 1003 in action, please consider making a donation of any size to help keep the fire burning and the whistle blowing. Every contribution directly supports operating expenses.

https://steamlocomotiveheritage.org/contribute/

09/28/2026

Thank you Trains Magazine for the coverage. We had a great, safe run with beautiful weather.

Next up: Santa Train!

HARTFORD, Wis. — The early-autumn weather was perfect on Saturday, Sept. 26, as Soo Line Mikado No. 1003 rambled across Wisconsin farmland between Hartford and Burnett, Wis. Temperatures in the low 70s drew hundreds out to watch the 113-year-old 2-8-2 cross country roads and pass classic Midwester...

09/27/2026

ITS RAILROAD SAFETY WEEK — STAY SAFE AROUND TRAINS!

After our run yesterday, Steam Locomotive Heritage Association wants to point out an important part of what we do - railroad safety.

The Soo Line 1003 is proud to support Railroad Safety Week in partnership with Wisconsin Operation Lifesaver.

Whether you’re watching a 100+ year old historic steam locomotive or encountering a regular freight train at a crossing, remember: Trains always have the right-of-way, and they can’t stop quickly.

REMEMBER:
1. See Tracks? Think Train!
2. Never walk around lowered crossing gates.
3. Look, listen, and stay alert near railroad tracks.
4. Avoid distractions around crossings.

Stay safe. Stay alert. Respect the rails.



Photo by Mike Raia

09/26/2026

Hartford! We are still coming!