Pioneer of the Rails
The Legacy of Jerry Joe Jacobson
Jerry Joe Jacobson was born on June 27, 1943, and distinguished himself across multiple disciplines throughout his lifetime. From 1964 to 1968, Jacobson attended St. Luke’s Hospital in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, earning credentials as a board-certified Nurse Anesthetist.
Jacobson’s career in the railway industry began in earnest on May 1, 1984, when he purchased Ohi-Rail. His dedication to railroading was further confirmed in 1988 when he commenced operations with the Ohio Central (OCRR) from Norfolk Southern’s Zanesville Line. Jacobson then began passenger excursions between Sugar Creek and Baltic in the spring of 1989, initiating a tradition that would last for 15 years.
Throughout his career, Jacobson was instrumental in facilitating key developments in the railway industry. Notably, under his leadership, Columbus & Ohio River Railroad became the operator of Weirton Secondary on April 16, 1992. He also oversaw the commencement of various railway operations including Warren & Trumbull in 1994, Ohio & Pennsylvania railroad in 1995, and Pittsburgh & Ohio Central in 2000.
In the spring of 2005, Jacobson took over CSX’s 1⁄2 interest in Newark and Cambridge Subdivisions. This provided the first “real” railyard on the Ohio Central System. His lasting legacy would be secured on September 30, 2008, when the Ohio Central System was sold to Genesee & Wyoming Industries, and the construction of the AOS Roundhouse began. The Roundhouse building was completed in 2010, adding a significant landmark to Jacobson’s esteemed legacy in the railway industry.
Throughout his personal life, Jacobson also found joy in family. He married Laura Schlabach in 1988, with whom he adopted four children: Jay Johnathan, Jesse Joel, Jana Joline, and Jennifer Victoria.
Jerry Joe Jacobson passed away on September 13, 2017, leaving behind an impressive legacy in the railroading industry and a loving family.
Jerry & Laura Jacobson Foundation
The Jerry & Laura Jacobson Foundation, Inc. was created to develop, own and operate the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Through the efforts of the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum the Foundation will procure, care for and display trains and objects related to railroad history. As part of its permanent collection, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum will procure previously used rail cars and items of lasting interest or historical value related to railroad history. The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum displays these collections in its facility in Sugarcreek that is open to the general public.
Additionally, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum also develops and presents educational activities that foster a better understanding of railroads, trains, and their importance in the history and development of the United States, as well as the stories of people associated with railroad history. These activities include tours for school-age children, lectures, films, etc. The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum also hosts temporary exhibits covering various aspects of railroad history and technology.
Your tax-deductible gifts and donations to the 501(c)(3) non-profit Jerry and Laura Jacobson Foundation, Inc. and Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum will always be welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and is about 1/3 mile in length.
No. Because the Roundhouse is a working site, visitors are restricted to the guided tour itself.
Tour groups can be up to 50 individuals.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the door, but please be aware that tickets do sell out quickly!
Yes. We strongly recommend the wearing of comfortable, closed toe, footwear.
Yes. The entire tour route is on one level and is accessible with wheelchairs and personal scooters.
No. The Roundhouse does not currently offer strollers and wheelchairs at this time.
Yes. Due to the length of the tour and nature of the site, we encourage families with small children to utilize your own strollers for their children during the tour.
The Roundhouse and Depot (Museum Store) are open from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm on tour days.
Yes. Visitors may take and post photos of the Roundhouse for their personal use, including social media sites, but may not use those images for any commercial purpose.
No. The Roundhouse does not offer food service onsite but our staff can help direct you to a local eatery.
No. The Roundhouse only allows certified service animals on the tour.
Contact Us
- Office Hours:
7:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday - Friday - Tour Hours:
10am, Noon, and 2pm Thursday - Saturday - Roundhouse & Depot Store Hours:
9:30 am – 3:30 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday during Tour Season - Mailing Address:
PO Box 427 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 - Phone:
(330) 852-4676
Have a question? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page. Use the form below to email, or click here to join our mailing list.
On our mailing list but not receiving our latest updates? Check your spam folder and remember to add info@ageofsteamroundhouse.com to your approved / “not spam” list!
Mr. Pete Poremba
Foundation Manager & Executive Director
Mr. Tim Sposato
Chief Mechanical Officer
Directions to the Age of Steam Roundhouse
We strongly suggest that you use these routes. Your navigation system and/or online directions may take you on a less direct route.
From Interstate 77: Take Exit 83 Dover / Sugarcreek to OH39 West (Sugarcreek) to OH93 South (Baltic), go approximately 2.1 miles (look for our billboard) and turn left on County Road 167, turn right on Smokey Lane Road SW. Age of Steam Roundhouse is on your left.
From Cleveland and Points North: I77 South (Cambridge) to OH39 West (Sugarcreek) to OH93 South (Baltic), go approximately 2.1 miles (look for our billboard) and turn left on County Road 167, turn right on Smokey Lane Road SW. Age of Steam Roundhouse is on your left.
From Pittsburgh: I376 West to US22 West (Cadiz) to US250 West (New Philadelphia) to I77 North (Cleveland) to OH39 West (Sugarcreek) to OH93 South (Baltic), go approximately 2.1 miles (look for our billboard) and turn left on County Road 167, turn right on Smokey Lane Road SW. Age of Steam Roundhouse is on your left.
From Wheeling: I70 West (Cambridge) to I77 North (Cleveland) to OH39 West (Sugarcreek) to OH93 South (Baltic), go approximately 2.1 miles (look for our billboard) and turn left on County Road 167, turn right on Smokey Lane Road SW. Age of Steam Roundhouse is on your left.
From Columbus Region: I70 East (Zanesville) to I77 North (Cleveland) to OH39 West (Sugarcreek), go approximately 2.1 miles (look for our billboard) and turn left on County Road 167, turn right on Smokey Lane Road SW. Age of Steam Roundhouse is on your left.
Southbound on OH93 at Seldenright Road SW (County Road 167)
