Who better to photograph railroads than railroaders themselves? They understand the meaning of details and, better yet, have access to them. The Center has started a new project to identify railroaders, past and present, who photograph(ed) everything railroad. See samples at right and on railroadheritage.org. In the linked audio file, Tom Farence talks about why he took photographs during his working days. Do you know of similar experiences? Please tell us.
Railroad Heritage galleries complement the Center's exhibits and publications. "It's Work" and "Faces of Railroading," based on our traveling exhibits, plus a bibliography and the publication It's Work were prepared as a part of "Representations of Railroad Work," a three-year program funded by the North American Railway Foundation.
Send gifts now to support our programs to increase understanding of railroading's role in America's social, industrial, and visual history.
Photography & Art
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American Railroad History in a Nutshell
To illustrate railroads' history, technology, culture, design, and diverse work force, the Center has created an illustrated "nutshell" summary. It consists of some 25 images on our Railroad Heritage.org® Web portal, all carefully selected and described. "You have summarized the story very well. Your text is excellent," said John H. White Jr., former Smithsonian curator, now a professor at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. We invite you to examine the selections and reflect on the profound role of railroads in America. Look at the selections and then let us know what you think.
Center Announces Winners of 2008 Awards Program
Olaf Haensch, Hanixbeck, Germany, receives the Center's 2008 Gold Award for Creative Photography. Silver Awards went to Ken Fitzgerald of Benbrook, Texas, and Jeff Mast of Canton, Michigan. Twelve photographers earned Bronze Awards. For more information, go to the Awards Page.
Ted Rose Exhibition Continues Through December 30, 2008
The beauty and compelling importance of railroads are illustrated in this exhibition of watercolor paintings and photographs by the late artist Ted Rose at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. The Museum, the Ted Rose Studio, and the Center arranged the exhibition, with support from the North American Railway Foundation.