The nonprofit Visalia Heritage hosted an event last month to launch "All Aboard, Visalia," a $6 million capital campaign to transform the former Southern Pacific Railroad Depot into a museum. Photo via Visalia Heritage Facebook

A local historic preservation group has begun its campaign to transform a relic from Central Valley history.

The nonprofit Visalia Heritage has launched a project to restore the city’s historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and transform it into a museum and cultural center celebrating the region’s diverse stories and shared heritage, according to a news release.

The organization has launched a $6 million capital campaign titled “All Aboard, Visalia!”

The three-year capital campaign will fund the purchase and renovation of The Depot, the creation of interactive exhibits and development of public programming.

Visalia Heritage announced at the end of June that it had signed escrow for the property, hosting a community event. The Sun-Gazette Newspaper reported the terms included a $5,000 down payment and payment over two years.

The Depot co-owners are Greg and David Vartanian, sons of late restaurateur John Vartanian, as well as Michael Shuklian, reported the Visalia Times-Delta.

Visalia Heritage is also seeking regional, state and federal grant funding for structural repairs, façade restoration and interpretive exhibits.

“Visalia is the oldest town in California’s Central Valley, with so much history to tell, and yet it has no museum of its own,” said Walter Deissler, president of Visalia Heritage. “The Depot, built in 1916, is an important part of that history. It is time to bring this beautiful building back to life.”

The organization is working with historians, architects, and community members to help shape the vision for the cultural center and museum.

The campaign is currently gathering early support, building momentum and inviting key stakeholders to help lead the way.

Visalia Heritage encourages individuals and organizations interested in supporting this preservation effort to see how they can get involved.