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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join heritagerail alliance.

Any organization (whether for profit or not-for-profit) which is engaged in the business of operating a tourist railway or railway/trolley oriented museum, and which displays or operates rail equipment, artifacts or structures for the educational or recreational benefit of the public is eligible for full membership.

Any entity which is engaged in the business of providing goods or services to organizations eligible for full membership is eligible for commercial membership.

Both classifications of membership are voting members.

Is HeritageRail membership just for North American tourist railroads and museums?

No. Any organization that qualifies as a full member or commercial member is welcome to join the HeritageRail Alliance.

How can an organization join HeritageRail?

Join online by clicking on the Join button on the home page of this web site. Dues may be paid with a credit card.

Join by mail with dues paid by check by downloading a membership application here (NOTE:  During the period of name transition, the ATRRM membership application will be used):

Operating Membership Application (US)

Operating Membership Application (Canada)

Commercial Membership Application (US and Canadian vendors and suppliers)

If you are interested in conference exhibitor benefit packages, which include membership in HeritageRail, please contact Lynette Rickman, Executive Director:   [email protected] .

After our organization joins HeritageRail Alliance, when will we be required to renew our membership?

Memberships are valid for one full year from the join date. You will be sent a renewal notice at least two months before your membership expiration date.  Renewal reminders are send via e-mail and hard copy.

Can an individual join HeritageRail Alliance?

Only organizations can join HeritageRail, but individuals of member organizations are considered affiliated individuals and are welcome to attend our Spring and Fall conferences.

How can a Commercial Member get exposure on the HeritageRail web site?

Commercial members are invited to select any of our conference packages, which include not only membership, conference registration benefits, and exposure on both our website and at our conferences, but also the standard benefits offered to our full time members, including access to the members-only section of our website.  To learn more about this year’s packages, contact  Lynette Rickman, Executive Director .

Commerical members also enjoy discounted advertising rates in  The Magazine , the online publication of HeritageRail Alliance, which is publicly available and accessible from home page on our website.  For more information about advertising oppportunities, please contact  Aaron Isaacs, Editor

Can members attend HeritageRail Alliance Board of Directors meetings? When are they held?

Yes! All members are invited to attend Board meetings. They are held twice a year during or just preceding the association conferences. A notice of the meeting will be posted on the web site.

Question unanswered?

Lynette Rickman, Executive Director [email protected] 770-278-0088

Aaron Isaacs, Editor [email protected] 612-929-7066

All the bells and whistles

HeritageRail Alliance is an association born from two venerable associations with a combined history of nearly 100 years.

After several years analyzing their many similarities and goals, the Tourist Railway Association and the Association of Railway Museums merged to form a brand new organization, The Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums (ATRRM) in 2013.

In 2016 ATRRM rebranded itself and changed its name to HeritageRail Alliance.

MEMBERSHIPS

HeritageRail is dedicated to providing a flow of information that will support and strengthen its members.

HeritageRail advocates for good regulation and legislation that ensures safety and the future of railway preservation

COLLABORATION

HeritageRail offers a variety of opportunities for members to share information and expertise.

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About: Tourist Railway Association, Inc.

The Tourist Railway Association Inc. (TRAIN) was a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the tourist railway industry in the United States. It published a monthly newsletter, Trainline. TRAIN conducted periodic seminars and conventions in various parts of the country to disseminate information about various issues affecting tourist railways, such as insurance, regulations, fund raising, marketing, operations, volunteers, passenger car restoration, maintenance, and safety programs. In 2011, it was decided to actually merge ARM and TRAIN into one organization.

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Museums, Tourist Lines, and Historical Organizations

• General discussion related to all railroad clubs, museums, tourist and scenic lines. Generally this covers museums with static displays, museums that operate excursions, scenic lines that have museums, and so on. Check out the Tourist Railway Association (TRAIN) for more information.
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Heritage Rail Alliance – Railway Museum Practices

Introduction to Heritage Rail Alliance and Railway Museum Practices

Railway heritage plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of the past and fostering a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for historical technology. The Heritage Rail Alliance (HRA) is at the forefront of preserving and promoting this rich legacy.

This blog post will explore the Heritage Rail Alliance and its railway museum practices, offering insights into their work and examining their crucial role in preserving railway history.

The Heritage Rail Alliance has been instrumental in supporting railway museums and heritage organizations, and we will delve into their recommended practices and technical resources.

About the Heritage Rail Alliance and the Association of Railway Museums and Tourist Railroads

The Heritage Rail Alliance, as we know it today, is a product of the merger between two distinguished associations with a combined history of nearly 100 years. The Tourist Railway Association (TRA) and the Association of Railway Museums (ARM) share a mutual interest in preserving and promoting railway heritage.

Recognizing their similarities and shared goals, the TRA and ARM combined their strengths and resources to form a new organization. In 2013, they established the Association of Tourist Railroads and Railway Museums (ATRRM), uniting railway preservationists, museums, and tourist railroads under one umbrella.

In 2016, ATRRM rebranded itself as the Heritage Rail Alliance (HRA) to better represent its mission and the diverse range of members it serves. The Heritage Rail Alliance has continued the legacy of its predecessor organizations, providing valuable support, resources, and advocacy for the heritage rail community throughout North America.

Who Can Join the Heritage Rail Alliance?

The Heritage Rail Alliance welcomes various organizations and individuals passionate about railway heritage preservation. Membership is open to North American and international organizations, including railway museums, tourist railroads, excursion operators, and private railcar owners. Membership is divided into two categories: full membership and commercial membership.

Full membership is available to any organization operating a tourist railway or railway/trolley-oriented museum, whether for-profit or not-for-profit. These organizations display or operate rail equipment, artifacts, or structures for the educational or recreational benefit of the public.

Commercial membership is open to any entity providing goods or services to organizations eligible for full membership. Both full and commercial members have voting rights within the Heritage Rail Alliance.

Although only organizations can join the Heritage Rail Alliance, individuals affiliated with member organizations are considered affiliated and welcome to attend the Spring and Fall conferences. Additionally, members are invited to participate in the Heritage Rail Alliance Board of Directors meetings, held twice a year during or just preceding the association conferences.

Membership in the Heritage Rail Alliance offers numerous benefits, such as access to technical resources, educational materials, networking opportunities, and the ability to shape the future of railway heritage preservation. The organization fosters collaboration, enabling members to share ideas, experiences, and best practices within the heritage rail community.

Heritage Rail Alliance Members

The Heritage Rail Alliance boasts an extensive network of members, ranging from large, well-established organizations to smaller, volunteer-driven groups. Some prominent members include the California State Railroad Museum, the Colorado Railroad Museum, the Illinois Railway Museum, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum.

Each member contributes to preserving railway heritage in their unique ways, whether through restoring and operating historic equipment, offering educational programs, or creating immersive experiences for visitors. The Heritage Rail Alliance supports and celebrates these organizations’ achievements, helping maintain their historical significance.

The Heritage Rail Alliance membership consists of diverse organizations, vendors, museums, tourist lines, and operating railways dedicated to preserving railroad history, educating the public, and enhancing the communities they serve. Explore the list , organized by state and country, to find a Heritage Rail Alliance member near you!

Technical Documents and Resources

One of the primary ways the Heritage Rail Alliance assists its members is by providing technical documents, resources, and advice. These materials cover a wide range of topics, from the restoration and maintenance of historic rail equipment to the safe and efficient operation of tourist railroads.

The Heritage Rail Alliance regularly publishes technical bulletins, which offer in-depth information on specific subjects related to railway preservation. Additionally, the organization hosts workshops and webinars that provide hands-on training and education for members, ensuring the best practices are followed in the heritage rail industry.

Recommended Practices for Railway Museums: Heritage Rail Alliance

The Heritage Rail Alliance has developed a comprehensive set of recommended practices for railway museums, which aim to promote the highest standards of preservation and operation. These guidelines cover various aspects of museum management and maintenance, including:

• Collection Management: Developing and maintaining a well-documented and organized collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and other materials relevant to railway history.
• Restoration and Preservation: Implementing best practices for the conservation, repair, and maintenance of historic rail equipment, ensuring the long-term survival of these valuable artifacts.
• Safety and Operations: Establishing safety protocols and standard operating procedures to minimize risks for staff, volunteers, and visitors while operating heritage rail equipment.
• Interpretation and Education: Creating engaging exhibits and educational programs that effectively communicate the historical significance of railway heritage to diverse audiences.
• Marketing and Community Outreach: Promoting the museum and its offerings to the public, forging partnerships with local organizations, and building a strong community presence.
• Volunteer Management: Recruiting, training, and retaining a dedicated volunteer force is vital for the success of many railway museums.
• Financial Management: Ensuring the organization’s financial stability through strategic planning, budgeting, and fundraising efforts.

By following these recommended practices, railway museums can ensure they preserve and present railway heritage in an engaging and historically accurate manner.

Our Review of “Recommended Practices for Railway Museums”

The Heritage Rail Alliance’s “Recommended Practices for Railway Museums” is a valuable resource for heritage rail organizations, providing a comprehensive set of guidelines that promote best practices in railway preservation. The document covers a wide range of topics, offering practical advice and recommendations that can be tailored to suit the needs of individual organizations.

We find the Heritage Rail Alliance’s emphasis on safety , preservation, and education particularly noteworthy, as these are crucial aspects of any successful railway museum. The guidelines also stress the importance of collaboration and communication within the heritage rail community, which fosters a supportive environment where organizations can learn from one another and share their expertise.

Following our overview of the guide’s key sections, we offer insights into best practices for museum management and operations.

1. Institutional Purpose:

The guide emphasizes the importance of defining and periodically reassessing a museum’s mission statement, ensuring it aligns with public interests and the institution’s goals.

2. Governance:

Museum governing authorities should be responsible for selecting board members based on established criteria and processes, ensuring effective and ethical leadership.

3. Institutional Code of Ethics:

Museums should adhere to high ethical standards and professional practices, as the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) recommends.

4. Staff Structure and Evolution:

The guide discusses the importance of staff training, professional development, and diversity in personnel practices.

5. Programs and Support Activities:

Railway museums should develop interpretive goals, educational programming, and authentic railway experiences while prioritizing visitor well-being and safety.

6. Collections Stewardship:

Museums must develop collections management policies and adhere to best practices for preserving, conserving, and ethically handling artifacts.

7. Museum Facilities and Infrastructure:

The guide covers the importance of maintaining exhibit halls, galleries, event spaces, restoration workshops, and railway infrastructure while ensuring security and emergency preparedness.

8. Funding:

Museums should establish funding priorities and develop fundraising strategies to ensure financial sustainability.

9. Financial Accountability:

The guide stresses the importance of transparent funds management, reporting, and maintaining tax-exempt status.

10. Related Business Activities:

Museums should engage in community involvement, special events, equipment rentals, and other activities that generate revenue and promote positive relationships.

11. Accessibility:

Railway museums must make their facilities and equipment accessible to diverse audiences.

12. Corporate Relations:

The guide emphasizes the importance of maintaining positive relations with corporate partners, being sensitive to corporate images, and conducting business ethically.

13. Community Relations:

Museums should build strong local, regional, and state relationships and partnerships with other museums.

14. Advocacy:

The guide recommends gathering information about visitation and advocating for a broad range of support for railway museums.

15. Disaster Plan:

Museums should develop a disaster preparedness and emergency response plan, following AAM guidelines.

16. Strategic Planning:

Creating a successful institutional strategic plan is essential for accomplishing a museum’s mission and vision.

Overall, the “Recommended Practices for Railway Museums” is a must-read for anyone involved in railway heritage preservation. The Heritage Rail Alliance has done an outstanding job of distilling years of collective knowledge and experience into a clear and concise set of guidelines that organizations of all sizes can follow.

Case Studies: Implementing Recommended Practices in Railway Museums

Several railway museums have successfully implemented the Heritage Rail Alliance’s recommended practices, leading to improved preservation efforts, enhanced visitor experiences, and more robust community engagement. Here are two examples:

• The California State Railroad Museum , a Heritage Rail Alliance member, has developed a robust collection management system, allowing them to catalog and track thousands of artifacts, documents, and photographs. This system ensures that the museum’s rich collection is well-organized and accessible for research, exhibitions, and educational programs.
• The Strasburg Rail Road , another Heritage Rail Alliance member, has prioritized safety in its operations. They have implemented comprehensive safety protocols and training programs for their staff and volunteers, ensuring the safe operation of historic steam locomotives and passenger cars while providing an unforgettable experience for their visitors.

These case studies highlight the positive impact that the Heritage Rail Alliance’s recommended practices can have on railway museums and their communities.

The Future of Railway Heritage Preservation

The heritage rail industry faces several challenges and opportunities as it moves forward. The Heritage Rail Alliance will continue to play a crucial role in addressing these issues by providing support, resources, and advocacy for its members.

Emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, offer exciting possibilities for railway museums, allowing them to create immersive experiences that engage new audiences and provide innovative educational opportunities.

At the same time, railway preservationists must grapple with the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure and equipment, ensuring that these historical artifacts remain viable for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Conclusion: The Role of Heritage Rail Alliance in Sustaining Railway Museums

The Heritage Rail Alliance has proven an invaluable resource for railway museums and heritage organizations across North America. Through their efforts in providing technical resources, promoting best practices, and fostering collaboration among members, the Heritage Rail Alliance has significantly impacted the preservation and presentation of railway history.

As the industry evolves, the Heritage Rail Alliance’s continued support and guidance will be essential in addressing emerging challenges and capitalizing on new opportunities. By staying informed and adapting to the changing landscape, railway museums and heritage organizations can ensure that the rich railroading history is preserved and celebrated for generations.

In conclusion, the Heritage Rail Alliance plays a critical role in sustaining railway museums and promoting the highest standards of railway heritage preservation. By following the organization’s recommended practices and taking advantage of its resources and support, railway museums can continue to thrive and share the fascinating story of railroading with the world.

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Safety Jurisdiction for Tourist Railroads

The authority of FRA, as a delegate of the Secretary of Transportation, to regulate railroads arises from title 49 of the United States Code, section 20103, which gives the agency plenary authority over “every area of railroad safety.” 49 U.S.C. § 20103; 49 C.F.R. § 1.49. The term “railroad” is defined by the Act as “any form of nonhighway ground transportation that runs on rails or electromagnetic guideways . . . .” 49 U.S.C. § 20102(2)(A). The definition excludes only rapid transit systems that operate in urban areas and are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation (general system). 49 U.S.C. § 20102(2)(B). The term “general railroad system of transportation” is defined at Appendix A to 49 C.F.R. Part 209 as: “the network of standard gage track over which goods may be transported throughout the nation and passengers may travel between cities and within metropolitan and suburban areas.” Portions of the network that lack a physical connection may still be part of the general system by virtue of the nature of the operations that occur. See id. The term ”railroad carrier” is defined by the statute as “a person providing railroad transportation.” 49 U.S.C. § 20102(3).

For resource and policy reasons, FRA does not extend the reach of most of its regulations as far as the statute permits. See Appendix A to 49 C.F.R. Part 209. In an effort to clarify the proper extent of the exercise of FRA’s jurisdiction over tourist railroads, we have recently settled on several principles that we will use as our current guidelines. Read the full text that supports the decision tree.

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News & Reviews News Wire Association of Tourist Railroads & Railway Museums presents first awards NEWSWIRE

Association of Tourist Railroads & Railway Museums presents first awards NEWSWIRE

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The Significant Achievement Award went to the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway Society in Cloverdale, British Columbia. In the past year the Society built and relocated to a new carbarn, completed the restoration of British Columbia Electric Railway interurban car No. 1225, built a replica depot at Cloverdale next to the original site, moved a replica of the Sullivan interurban shelter close to its original location, and began scheduled operations.

Don Evans and Bob Opal received the Friend of the Association Award for their work merging the Tourist Railway Association and the Association of Railway Museums to form ATRRM. Evans, an organizational development consultant, is active in the West Coast Railway Association in Squamish, B.C. Opal, a retired Union Pacific attorney, is a longtime volunteer at Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Ill.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Cathy Taylor. She started at California State Railroad Museum as a docent in 1981. By 1983, she was actively involved in developing a tourist railway operation on the Walnut Grove branch line, at that time still owned by Southern Pacific. Taylor actively assisted California state parks in the acquisition of the line, and was a key player in the operation of demonstration trains in 1982 and 1983 to show state park and railroad officials the value of preserving the line as a tourist opportunity in Old Sacramento, which occurred in 1984.

Taylor was elected in 1988 to serve on the TRAIN Board of Directors, which she did for four years. She served as the program chairman for Railfair ’91, which brought together exhibits, locomotives and rolling stock from around the country and world. Railfair ’91 attracted over 180,000 visitors. She followed this with Railfair ’99, a similarly spectacular event. Both Railfairs were huge promotional opportunities for railway heritage internationally, and both raised more than $500,000 for the museum and its programs.

In 1990, Taylor was hired to manage the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. The entity at the time had barely any money and not much prospect of success. As executive director, she built the Foundation from the ground up, creating earned income sources and fundraising capacity to an annual budget of $2.5 million and 30 employees assisting the museum in its mission. During her tenure with the Foundation, she also oversaw the rebirth of Railtown 1897 State Historic Park as a functioning heritage attraction and tourist railroad.

In 2002, Taylor was recruited as museum director for CSRM, following Walter Gray in that position. She moved up to Capital District Superintendent in 2007. During her tenure as museum director, Taylor emphasized the growth and development of the Museum to new audiences through a refresh of the museum’s interpretive themes and exhibitions.

The committee that selected the recipients included Train magazine editor Jim Wrinn. Cathy Taylor was nominated by Kalmbach Publishing Co. Vice President of Editorial Kevin P. Keefe.

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From the second half of the 20th century, numerous railways, especially in industrial and mining areas, were abandoned for economic reasons. The activism of the “railfans”, who are fond of trains, has made it possible to set up voluntary associations that have been the lifeblood of the beginning of projects for the recovery of the historic railway heritage and the promotion of it in a touristic sense. The railway tourism process always originates from a project for the restoration of railway heritage, possibly maintaining authenticity. The voluntary associations, along with their “railfans”, are the main stakeholder, not only preserving the rail heritage but also developing railway tourism activities. The touristic railway could regenerate the local community, with positive benefits on the local economy. Many tourists could be attracted by railway tourism destinations in that they wish to live memorable experiences related to the nostalgia of the past. 

1. Introduction

• R.S.1 What are the main dynamics in the recovery and management of railway heritage?
• R.S.2 What are the main trends in rail tourism?
• R.S.3 What are the main relationships between sustainability and rail tourism?

2. Railway and Tourism: Answers to the Three Questions

3. conclusions.

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• Reeves, C.D.; Dalton, R.; Pesce, G. Context and knowledge for functional buildings from the industrial revolution using heritage railway signal boxes as an exemplar. Hist. Environ. Policy Pract. 2020, 11, 232–257.
• Carson, S.; Pennings, M. Performing Cultural Tourism; Routledge: London, UK, 2017; pp. 1–192.
• Eimermann, M.; Mattsson, K.T.; Carson, D.A. International tourism entrepreneurs in Swedish peripheries: Compliance and collision with public tourism strategies. Reg. Sci. Policy Pract. 2018, 11, 479–492.
• Carson, D.A.; Carson, D.B.; Hodge, H. Understanding local innovation systems in peripheral tourism destinations. Tour. Geogr. 2014, 16, 457–473.
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Southern Africa Railway Association announces new leaders, future plans

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) group CEO Hishaam Emeran has been voted in as the new president of the Southern Africa Railway Association (SARA). The CEO of Eswatini Railways, Nixon Dlamini, is the vice-president. 

SARA on Thursday briefed the media on future plans for the railway sector in the Southern African region.

“I am certainly humbled by this opportunity to be the president of this very important association,” said Emeran.

He said that during a meeting with other SARA board leaders, including Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) CEO Russell Baatjies, Railway Safety Regulator of South Africa acting CEO Mmuso Selaledi and the executive director of SARA, Babe Botana, they discussed a strategic plan for SARA which is in the process of developing an implementation plan to address the improvements from a railway freight and passenger perspective in the region.

“We all are very aware of the importance of railways to the region; we had an important discussion about being more proactive and ensuring that there are some tangible outcomes in terms of achieving these goals.

“We are also tracking and having oversight on the current volumes that we see being transported in the various regions. The implementation plan that the board will have oversight on will address the important challenges,” said Emeran.

A key moment for Prasa was the capability to manufacture trains in South Africa and the African Union deciding that it will become the rail manufacturing hub in which Prasa and Transnet will play critical roles.

The old yellow trains are being overhauled as a manufacturing factory in Nigel, Gauteng, is rolling out modern trains.

Emeran said that they hope they can export to Africa and the world.

“Prasa is going through an exciting modernisation phase including modern signalling systems, telecommunication systems which we are sharing and collaborating along with our colleagues [present with us,]” said Emeran.

He stated during his 10-year presidency he will make an effort to understand the railway systems operations and challenges in various member states which will require him to engage and visit leaders and look at areas of co-operation and agreement. 

Transport minister accused of 'interfering' after responding to tender claims at Prasa

Editorial | too much cargo on our roads makes them crowded and dangerous, journey into the night with prasa, we’ve got what it takes to be tops in tourism.

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Voronezh Oblast

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Voronezh Oblast is in Russia 's Chernozemye region, bordering Ukraine to the southwest, Belgorod Oblast to the west, Kursk Oblast to the northwest, Lipetsk Oblast to the north, Tambov Oblast to the northeast, Ulyanovsk Oblast to the northeast, Volgograd Oblast to the east, and Rostov Oblast to the south.

• 51.671667 39.210556 1 Voronezh — the regional capital is a major cultural, economic, and transit hub for the surrounding regions and a center of the contemporary Russian Communist movement (due to very high unemployment); be sure to visit the excellent collection of Western and Russian art at the Kramskoy Museum; the city is also the birthplace of many famous Russians, including writers Ivan Bunin and Andrei Platonov (the poet Osip Mandelshtam was exiled here also), as well as the great Russian painter Ivan Kramskoi

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Voronezh is considered the heart of the "Black Earth Region," a rich soiled region in the south of Central Russia . In its post-Soviet history it has also come to be known as the heart of Russia's "Red Belt," the center of contemporary Russian communism, owing to its high unemployment levels. An interesting read for visitors is Black Earth City , an account written by Charlotte Hobson, a foreign student visiting the capital in 1991–92.

Chances are high that you will need either some knowledge of Russian or a competent guide in order to travel outside of Voronezh.

Voronezh Airport ( VOZ  IATA ) is served by flights from Moscow , Saint Petersburg , Munich , Prague , and Yerevan . Voronezh, being the major rail hub between Central and Southern Russia , is also easily accessible by train from, Moscow , Rostov-on-Don and other major cities in these regions.

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Voronezh Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Voronezh oblast: Voronezh .

Voronezh Oblast - Overview

Voronezh Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, part of the Central Federal District. Voronezh is the capital city of the region.

The population of Voronezh Oblast is about 2,288,000 (2022), the area - 52,216 sq. km.

Voronezh oblast flag

Voronezh oblast coat of arms.

Voronezh oblast map, Russia

Voronezh oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

9 September, 2015 / Kalacheevskaya Cave - the longest cave in Voronezh region .

10 May, 2010 / Voronezh oblast palace of the princess photos .

History of Voronezh Oblast

The first people began to settle in the territory of the present Voronezh region in the Paleolithic age, about 30 thousand years ago. In the Iron Age, this region became part of Scythia. Then the Sarmatians came to replace the Scythians. It is assumed that they gave the name to the Don River.

In the early Middle Ages, the Alans, the descendants of the Sarmatians, moved on to a settled way of life, mastered the skills of urban culture and entered into a complex symbiosis with nomads (the Bulgars and the Khazars). In the 7th century, the steppe part of the region became the territory of the Khazar Kaganate.

In the 9th-10th centuries, the Slavs began to settle in the north of the region. Central and southern areas were controlled by nomadic tribes. In the first half of the 13th century, during the Mongol invasion, the ancient Russian settlements were destroyed, and Voronezh land for several centuries turned into a so-called “wild field” crossed by the main Tatar roads - Nogai and Kalmius roads.

In the 15th century, several districts up to the Khopyor River, the Vorona River and the mouth of the Voronezh River were part of the Ryazan principality, but the Russian settlements here were few in number. Between the Russian territory and the Tatar nomads lay a vast, devastated by nomadic raids, neutral buffer land.

More historical facts…

In 1521, the Ryazan principality became part of the Moscow state, which opened the way for the beginning of the Russian colonization of these territories. The Cossacks began to form from the Christian population of the region that assimilated certain elements of the culture of nomads.

In 1585, in place of the Cossack village, Voronezh was founded as a fortress of the Moscow state on the border of the Wild Field. For more than 50 years Voronezh was the only town on the territory of the present Voronezh region. Up to the 17th century, the Tatar raids on the Voronezh land continued.

In 1696, by decision and with the personal participation of Peter I, a shipyard was built on Voronezh land for the construction of the first Russian fleet - the foothold for the development of the Black Sea region. From here the Azov campaigns of Peter I began. The centers of Russian colonization in the east of the region were the towns of Borisoglebsk (1698) and Novokhopersk (1716).

In 1711, (after the loss of Azov), Voronezh became a provincial town, the administrative center of the Azov gubernia (province). In the 18th century, the development of the entire territory of the region began. In 1725, the province received the name of Voronezh.

Voronezh Governorate became one of the main bread baskets of the Russian Empire. In the 1860-1870s, railways passed through the territory of the region and connected Central Russia with South Ukraine, the North Caucasus and the Trans-Volga. The region’s economy remained largely agrarian.

In 1934, Voronezh Oblast was established. In 1937, Tambov Oblast was singled out of the Voronezh region. During the Second World War, it became the scene of fierce battles. The city of Voronezh was almost completely destroyed. In 1954, large western and northern territories were transferred to Belgorod and Lipetsk oblasts. In 1957, the boundaries of Voronezh Oblast took the current form.

In the mid-1960s, the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant was built, the Stavropol-Moscow gas pipeline passed through the territory of the region. Voronezh became a major center of the country’s military-industrial complex. In 1972, the Voronezh reservoir was created.

Nature of Voronezh Oblast

Birches in the middle of the field in the Voronezh region

Author: Stepygin Evgeny

Golden autumn in Voronezh Oblast

Author: Constantin Silkin

Cows in the Voronezh region

Author: Galina Linn

Voronezh Oblast - Features

Voronezh Oblast is located in the south-west of the European part of Russia. The length of the region from north to south is 277.5 km, from west to east - 352 km. In the south it borders on the Lugansk region of Ukraine.

The climate is moderately continental. The average temperature in January is minus 10 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 20 degrees Celsius.

The largest cities and towns of Voronezh Oblast are Voronezh (1,048,700), Rossosh (61,800), Borisoglebsk (57,200), Liski (52,000).

The most important resource of Voronezh Oblast is its fertile black soil rich in humus (chernozem), which occupy most of the territory. The largest rivers are the Don, Voronezh, Khopyor, Bityug.

Voronezh Oblast has rich deposits of non-metallic raw materials, mainly building materials (sands, clays, chalk, granites, cement raw materials, ocher, limestone, sandstone). Also there are deposits of phosphorites, nickel, copper, and platinum.

The local economy is an industrial-agrarian one. The main industries are mechanical engineering, electric power industry, chemical industry, and processing of agricultural products. This region is a major supplier of agricultural products: wheat, sugar beet, sunflower, potatoes, and vegetables. There is a nuclear power plant on the territory of Voronezh oblast - Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant.

Two federal highways pass through the territory of the Voronezh region: E 115 - M4 “Moscow-Novorossiysk” and E 119 - M6 “Moscow-Astrakhan”.

Attractions of Voronezh Oblast

Voronezh Oblast has a significant recreational and tourist potential. There are 7 historical towns in the region (Bobrov, Boguchar, Borisoglebsk, Voronezh, Novokhopersk, Ostrogozhsk, Pavlovsk), about 2,700 historical and cultural monuments, 20 museums and 3 reserves.

Pine forests and oak groves in the valley of the Voronezh River are known for their favorable effect on human health. There are a lot of summer and winter tourist bases and sanatoriums.

The main sights of the Voronezh region:

• Natural Architectural-Archaeological Museum-Reserve Divnogorye in Liskinsky district - one of the most popular and recognizable sights of the Voronezh region. One of the main attractions is a church built by monks inside a chalk cliff;
• Archeological Museum-Reserve “Kostyonki” in the village of Kostyonki in the Khokholsky district;
• Museum-Estate of D. V. Venevitinov in the village of Novozhivotinoye in Ramonsky district - a complex of residential and park buildings that belonged to the old Russian noble family in the second half of the 17th - early 20th centuries;
• Castle of the Princess of Oldenburg in Ramon - a picturesque manor house built in the style of brick neo-Gothic in the late 19th century;
• Voronezh Biosphere Reserve with the world’s only experimental beaver cattery;
• “Village of the 17th-19th centuries” - a museum in the open air in the town of Ertil;
• Khrenovskaya and Chesma stud farms;
• Museums and memorial places in Voronezh.

Voronezh oblast of Russia photos

Churches in the voronezh region.

Country life in Voronezh Oblast

Church in the Voronezh region

Author: Lantsov Dmitriy

Orthodox cathedral in Voronezh Oblast

Author: Feliks Radev

Voronezh Oblast scenery

Lonely locomotive in the Voronezh region

Author: Gribanov D.

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