A Historic Treasure Meets Modern Challenges 

At the heart of the gallery is the Baldwin 60000 Locomotive, a cornerstone of the museum’s collections since 1933. We worked closely with the museum and construction team, Daniel J. Keating Company, to ensure this 350-ton marvel of engineering remained protected and supported during construction. The locomotive is now proudly displayed in a newly renovated gallery, with a cutaway floor to reveal the original steel and concrete bridge structures, showcasing the remarkable 19th-century engineering that has supported it for decades. This exhibition allows visitors to witness the Baldwin’s true scale and historical significance, offering an experience never before seen at the museum. 

Video by © Anthony Cracha

In addition to preserving the Baldwin Locomotive, we helped manage the construction of a two-story storage system that now displays thousands of previously unseen artifacts. The gallery also offers an inside look into the museum’s collections center, providing a rare glimpse into how these priceless objects are preserved and maintained for future generations. This newly renovated facility not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports the museum’s research and digitization efforts, helping make these historical objects accessible to a global audience. 

Keeping the Vision on Track 

The project wasn’t just about the Baldwin locomotive. The Hamilton Collections Gallery reflects The Franklin Institute’s vision to create a dynamic space showcasing its diverse collections. As project managers, we ensured that every aspect of the project—from initial design to final touches—aligned with this vision. This meant managing: 

• Timelines: Coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors to meet the museum’s opening date without compromising quality. 

• Budgets: Monitoring costs and ensuring resources were allocated effectively, staying within the financial goals of the nonprofit institution. 

• Stakeholders: Balancing input from museum staff, donors, and other partners to maintain consensus and collaboration.