Kamin Science Center Added Library Replica
The Miniature Railroad & Village has unveiled a new model of the historic Andrew Bayne Memorial Library.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Historical
Live Poll
Do you feel local museums effectively help residents connect with their community's history?
A new hand-painted replica of the Andrew Bayne Memorial Library has joined the Miniature Railroad & Village at the Kamin Science Center. The addition marks a new expansion for the display, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this Saturday.
Why it matters
The inclusion of the library follows a public voting process, highlighting the community's role in shaping the regional landmark exhibition. It serves to preserve the architectural legacy of the Victorian mansion located in Bellevue.
The library replica won 89% of the roughly 48,000 votes cast in a public poll. The Kamin Science Center exhibit measures 83 by 30 feet and features 60 distinct recreations of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania landmarks.
The players
Kamin Science Center
This facility is a major educational institution and museum that hosts the expansive Miniature Railroad & Village exhibit.
Andrew Bayne Memorial Library
This historic Victorian mansion in Bellevue serves as the inspiration for the newest model added to the display.
James Madison Balph
He was the professional architect responsible for the original design of the Andrew Bayne Memorial Library.
Charles Bowdish
He was the founder who began constructing the railroad scenes that evolved into the modern display.
Andrew Carnegie
He was an industrialist and philanthropist who established the first of these regional museums in 1895.
The details
The model-making team at the science center hand-crafted and painted the miniature structure to match the original Victorian mansion, which began serving the community in 1927. The original site in Bellevue is situated within a four-acre park.
Timeline
1867: Bellevue was incorporated.
1919: Construction began on the Miniature Railroad & Village.
1927: The Andrew Bayne Memorial Library opened to the public.
July 2025: The library replica won the public poll for addition to the exhibit.
September 26, 2026: The replica was added to the Miniature Railroad & Village.
Culture Shift
The addition of the Andrew Bayne Memorial Library to the Kamin Science Center continues a legacy of historical preservation through model building that began with the 1919 origin of the Miniature Railroad & Village display. This initiative reinforces the growing trend of institutional efforts to digitize or recreate physical community heritage for broader public engagement.
Visitors to the Kamin Science Center can now view the new library model as part of the total 60-landmark exhibition. The display remains a staple of regional tourism for the 1.5 million people who visit the Carnegie Museums annually.
The takeaway
The library replica demonstrates how public participation can directly influence the curation of local historical exhibits. Interested residents can visit the science center to see how the model integrates with the broader 83- by 30-foot railroad landscape.
Further reading
Learn more about local legacy and preservation efforts in our Historical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TribLIVE.
Live Poll
Do you feel local museums effectively help residents connect with their community's history?
