Get ready for a whole weekend of Historic Pullman railcars, amazing activities and exhibits, plus more family fun than ever before at Pullman Railroad Days coming June 1 and 2!
Contact: Bart Darress, Director of Communications & Membership
Email: bdarress@pullmanil.org
Phone: 773-569-6499
February 9, 2024 – Historic Pullman Foundation(HPF) is thrilled to host its third annual Pullman Railroad Days: People, Progress & Innovation, coming Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 to Pullman National Historical Park.
“America’s stories live in Pullman. And one essential story is Pullman’s rich heritage in rail transportation and how it transformed America,” said Pullman Railroad Days Chairman and HPF President Emeritus Joe Szabo. “That’s what our Railroad Days event is all about.”
In partnership with Metra and the American Association of Private Rail Car Owners(AAPRCO), visitors can tour three historic cars at the 111th Street/Pullman Metra Electric station throughout the weekend. Featured are the 1950 Pullman Sleeper-Observation Blue Ridge Club, the 1934 Sleeper-Lounge Dover Harbor, and the 1957 Art Deco beauty, Hollywood Beach.
This is the first time these historic cars will be seen at the Pullman Railroad Days event.
“There’s nothing quite like Pullman Railroad Days and we couldn’t be more excited to host these incredible rail cars this year,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “For visitors, there’s no faster, easier way to come enjoy Pullman National Historical Park than the Metra Electric Line.”
People from all around Chicagoland and across the country will also experience an all-new exhibit exploring the Pullman strike of 1894 – this year marks the 130th anniversary of that seminal event. “Few moments in history have had such a tremendous impact on labor and workers rights as the railroad strike in Pullman,” offered local historian and exhibit curator Andy Bullen. “So much of what we enjoy today as working Americans, started right here.”
Also featured at Pullman Railroad Days are a wide array of engaging tours including guided tours of the Pullman factory grounds and an exclusive look at Hotel Florence. Norfolk-Southern will host a virtual reality experience that showcases the advanced technology that fuels America’s railroads.
Park Rangers will offer interactive activities throughout the weekend. In addition, guests can explore a variety of promotional booths and tents; there’s food, entertainment and endless family-fun. Stay tuned to all the latest Pullman Railroad Days news at pullmanil.org or visit Facebook and Instagram.
“There’s no doubt that Pullman Railroad Days has become a signature event for Pullman fans and train enthusiasts everywhere,” offered Pullman National Historical Park Superintendent, Teri Gage. “What better way to learn about Pullman’s role in railroad history, climb aboard actual Pullman luxury cars, and explore Chicago’s first-ever national park!”
The weekend offers a mix of incredible activities with a single-ticket entry for featured events including access to the historic rail cars.
Special early bird tickets go on-sale March 15 for just $22 – that’s over 40% off purchasing tickets at the event for $37. Beginning April 15, advanced tickets are available for only $26 until May 29. Historic Pullman Foundation members save even more.
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Historic Pullman Foundation is the official nonprofit Friends Group of Pullman National Historical Park. For over 50 years, we have created opportunities for all people to come experience and understand the continuing American story that is Pullman.
