Nashville Steam Reaches Matching Fundraising Goal and Sets Record to Revive Music City’s Steam Engine
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Efforts to restore Nashville’s historic steam locomotive to operation were boosted by a record-breaking, year-end fundraiser that raised $200,000 total. With over $26,000 raised on Giving Tuesday alone and an additional $74,000 raised between November 2021 and January 2022, the non-profit organization successfully met a $100,000 matching grant with $100,000 in donations.
“Meeting our goal is tremendous, but breaking a single day in fundraising records is a testament to the enthusiasm and spirit of our donors and supporters. Having partners like Trains Magazine and the matching grants from The Candelaria Fund and The Wick Moorman Charitable Foundation set this fundraiser up for success,” said Joey Bryan, Nashville Steam Secretary. “Thanks to the match, we were able to completely fund the new driver tires, additional boiler repairs, and spring and truck restoration work for our locomotive’s wheels in one day.”
Nashville Steam’s work to bring No. 576 back to life is now over 50% complete. In the coming weeks, funds will be directed toward the following projects:
- Backhead flush patch and brace installation
- Staybolt installation
- Boiler rivet installation
- Machine work for the locomotive driving boxes, including renewing liners and correcting worn components
- Install new tires on locomotive drivers
- Quarter crankpins
- Reassemble engine and lead truck
- Rebuild and install spring rigging
- Frame, binders, shoe, and wedge machining and installation
- Lubrication lines ran
Additional fundraising opportunities for 2022 are being considered and donations can be made online at nashvillesteam.org/donate.
