The Kamin Science Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has expanded its beloved Miniature Railroad and Village with a new model of the Andrew Bayne Memorial Library in Bellevue. The three‑story Victorian building, a community cornerstone since 1927, now sits among the exhibit’s historic streets, celebrating Western Pennsylvania’s heritage.
Community‑Driven Choice
The addition was the result of a public poll held in July 2025. Of the nearly 48,000 votes cast, an overwhelming 89% selected the library as the next building to be represented. The Science Center’s model‑making team responded by creating a detailed replica that includes hand‑painted architectural features such as decorative pediments above each window and a miniature version of the Lone Sentinel, the historic elm tree that once graced the library’s grounds.
Craftsmanship and Detail
Model makers spent countless hours reproducing the library’s interior, furnishing it with tiny bookshelves, marble fireplaces, and other period‑accurate details. The result is a faithful miniature that invites visitors to step back in time and appreciate the craftsmanship of both the original structure and the model itself.
Historical Roots of the Exhibit
The Miniature Railroad and Village traces its origins to 1919, when hobbyist Charles Bowdish began building intricate railroad scenes in his Brookville home. After moving to the Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science in 1954, the exhibit found a permanent home at the Kamin Science Center in 1992, where it has remained a favorite attraction for families, school groups, and train enthusiasts.
Why It Matters
Adding the Andrew Bayne Library model underscores the exhibit’s mission to honor the people, places, and history that define Western Pennsylvania. By involving the public in the selection process, the Science Center reinforces community ownership of local heritage. The new model not only enriches the visual landscape of the miniature village but also serves as an educational tool, reminding visitors of the region’s architectural legacy and the importance of preserving historic landmarks.
Visit the Miniature Railroad
Families and tourists are invited to explore the expanded exhibit and see the new library model up close. For more information, hours, and upcoming events, visit the Kamin Science Center’s website at kaminsciencecenter.org.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
