The mission of the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association is to preserve the regional heritage of electric railway transportation as a living resource for the benefit of present and future generations.
To fulfill this mission the Association will continue to promote the study of electric railways, their physical equipment, properties and operations in northern California and the West. Persist in the procurement and preservation of historic electric railway equipment, materials, and property. Maintain the display and interpretation of surviving historic equipment, materials and properties.
The museum is supported by 1200 members, 125 volunteers, admission receipts, museum store sales, and tax-deductible donations from organizations, friends, visitors, and members of the museum.