The little museum that can - the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum - had its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 2. It was already a magnet for children and adults.

Inside its new location at 102 Audrey Avenue, in Oyster Bay, (a half block south of the Oyster Bay Railroad station which they are in the process of renovating,) are interactive exhibits for children (and grown-ups), historical photographs and renderings of what the future OBRM site will look like.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, OBRM President John Specce said that the new location was a preview of what the actual restored train station will feature. Standing under the red wooden sign saying, The Oyster Bay Railroad Museum, he said here they are offering educational programs that are what the museum sees as its mission.

It was already happening.

Parents Michael and Jane Martone and their children Michael and Mary were there. "We took the train from Glen Head to come here," said Jane Martone. "We've lived on Long Island all our lives and commute on the LIRR. It's comforting to hear that whistle. We heard they were opening the museum and decided to come."

"I came for the music," said dad Michael Martone. He enjoys the many songs written about railroads. "My son Mike likes trains, and my Uncle Tim was a rail fan. We want to take a scenic train trip one day."

Jack Croke, 4, was busy working the piston that made a train whistle work. He brought his dad Tim Croke of Locust Valley to the event. "I'm an engineer," said Mr. Croke, and laughed adding, "A mechanical engineer." He said of Jack, "He loves trains and has lots of them."

It was a great beginning to what will be a wonderful and educational museum in Oyster Bay. The museum will be opened on special weekends to be announced.

It deserves an Oyster Bay welcome.

"Bully," as Theodore Roosevelt liked to say, to the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum! - DFK