National Train Day marks the 143rd anniversary of the creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the ’golden spike’ was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, forever transforming the face and character of America.
National Train Day is back to celebrate train travel and the ways trains touch the lives of people across America. May 12, 2012, will be the day where train stations and other venues across the country, host activities and exhibits that highlight the past, present and future of trains and travel. Amtrak will host major events in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles with free live entertainment and activities for both children and adults: interactive and educational exhibits, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, and notable private railroad cars – just to name a few!
The ‘rail way’ comes to life for attendees, as well as those participating online and through social media. Only on a train do we see more of the world around us, and live more of the experiences we have when we discover the ‘rail way’. Look out your window. What do you see? Look around the car. Who do you see? It’s all part of the journey. Join in the celebration by attending a National Train Day event near you, or submit your photos, videos and stories to the National Train Day Gallery, and enter for a chance to win great prizes. Let the journey begin!
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 12
Admission is Free!
National Train Day Exhibits
Signature experiences in Grand Central Terminal in New York City, 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, and Union Station in Chicago and Los Angeles will feature a wide array of activities including:
Train Equipment Displays: In select markets, walk through a privately owned, luxury train. Explore commuter displays, rail passenger services and freight equipment displays showing how “green” locomotives transform the nation’s freight fleet.
Kids Depot: Bring the kids and let them build, explore and compete for surprise giveaways happening all day long at the All Aboard Explorers’ kids zone.
Model Train Displays: Take a closer look at the miniature masterpieces and marvel at the wonder of the model train displays that will be featured on-site at National Train Day.
K-9 Unit Demonstrations: Interact with Amtrak Security K-9 Units, one of the largest programs in the United States.
Amtrak High Speed Rail Display: Explore the future of high speed rail travel.
Amtrak Culinary Experience: Enjoy live cooking demonstrations by Amtrak celebrity chefs and taste free samples of regional culinary specialties.
See More Store: Take home a print, a t-shirt, and other memorabilia that will remind us to see more, do more, live more from the passenger seat of a train.
CHICAGO
Where: Union Station 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606
Exclusively in Chicago: Actor Hill Harper, star of CSI: NY will share his personal Amtrak travel experience with rail fans at Union Station.
Harper, also a noted author, wrote sections of his latest book The Wealth Cure: Putting Money In Its Place while traveling aboard the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago in 2010.
Click here for more details, discounts, and scholarship opportunities:
https://www.myblackjourney.com/
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Friday, May 4th 2012 at 12:09PM
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