‘On the Right Track’ exhibit on final leg of its journey

Every train journey eventually reaches its destination, and so it goes with the exhibit, “On the Right Track: By Rail to Chicago & Beyond,” which closes on March 29th at the Elmhurst History Museum. The exhibit explores 170 years of railroading history by looking at the many ways the railroads carved out the landscape and impacted people and businesses in Chicago and its suburbs over time.

“On the Right Track” travels from early Chicago railroading days in Chicago and follows the expansion of the railroads westward through DuPage County and beyond. The exhibit tells the stories of many of the different railroads that traversed the area including: Galena & Chicago Union; Union Pacific; Chicago & North Western; Illinois Central; Chicago, Aurora & Elgin and more. Another aspect of the exhibit considers those who made their living working on railroads, from Pullman porters to engineers, conductors, station masters and more.

The displays in the exhibit are filled with many intriguing photos, film clips of historic railroads and railroad operations, and a diverse array of artifacts. Many items are on loan from sources including the Chicago & North Western Historical Society archives and the Illinois Railroad Museum, along with objects from the Elmhurst History Museum’s collection. “On the Right Track” features equipment used by rail workers, a station diorama, a conductor’s uniform, a relic from President Lincoln’s funeral train, and 1930’s dining car china. Also featured is an original 1894 Elmhurst train station sign which was restored just in time to be showcased in the exhibit. Interactive learning stations for children include a wooden train play area, a working telegraph where users can learn to send Morse code, and an interactive track switching game.

Final Month of Train-Related Programming

The Elmhurst History Museum has a few exhibit-related programs on the schedule during March to bring the “On the Right Track” exhibit to a close, including:

Friday, March 6: Riding the Rails Bus Tour, 9-11:30 a.m.

All aboard with Elmhurst native and railroad industry professional Dave Phillips for a bus tour of important historic and modern day railroad sites in Elmhurst, Villa Park, Franklin Park and Bensenville. Phillips is a member and archive committee chairman of the Chicago & North Western Historical Society and will share his insider knowledge along the way. Limited to 25 participants. Tour leaves from the Elmhurst History Museum Education Center. Registration is required online at elmhursthistory.org (Adult Programs section) or call 630-833-1457. Cost is $30.

Sunday, March 22: Eugene Debs and the Pullman Strike, 2 p.m.

The Pullman Strike was a pivotal moment in U.S. and Chicago history, igniting an uprising and crisis that brought issues of worker justice into focus. Author and Northern Illinois University history professor, Rosemary Feurer, PhD, will explore how the crisis emerged from issues that festered in the Gilded Age. Feurer will also discuss the long term consequences of the Pullman strike in Illinois and across the country. Program takes place in the Education Center. Registration is required online at elmhursthistory.org (Adult Programs section) or call 630-833-1457. Cost: FREE to Members, $5 Non-Members.

March 23-March 27: Spring Break Railway Days

Visit the Elmhurst History Museum with the kids during Spring Break Week for a different railway-themed activity each day. All programs are free, registration required for library programs only. For more information, visit elmhursthistory.org in the Family Programs section.

Monday, March 23: T-Trak Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Meet the model train aficionados from Chicagoland T-Trak who will display their fascinating modules and track layouts.

Tuesday, March 24: Rise and Shine Storytime (at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.) Lively stories and songs all about trains for children ages 2-5. Visit elmhurstpubliclibrary.org for times and schedule. Program repeats on Friday, March 27. Pick up tickets at the library day of program.

Wednesday, March 25: METRA Train Safety Presentation, 10 a.m.

The facilitator of METRA’s Operation Lifesaver Train Safety Awareness Program will present an interactive program for families about train safety. Limited space available on a first come, first served basis. Program takes place in the Education Center. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 26: Railroad Craft Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Drop in and get crafty in the Elmhurst History Museum’s Education Center. Participants can choose to create a Morse code bracelet or their own railroad track art while supplies last.

Friday, March 27: Rock the Rails Concert with the Hobo Queen, 11 a.m.

Rock around the rails with the official 2004-2005 Hobo Queen, Dawn DiVenti, as she presents a fun concert of railroad-themed music for families. Limited space available on a first come, first served basis. Program takes place in the Education Center, doors open at 10:30 a.m.

Don’t miss the final stop for “On the Right Track: By Rail to Chicago & Beyond.” The exhibit closes March 29, 2020 at the Elmhurst History Museum which is located at 120 E. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst. Exhibition hours are Sunday and Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is free, and limited free parking is available. For the latest exhibit and program information, please visit www.elmhursthistory.org or call (630) 833-1457.