Through May 31
The Rail Splitter and the Railroads:  Lincoln, the Union, and the Golden State 
Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition, which celebrates Lincoln’s legacy and his role in the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad which united and transformed this nation. 

Through September 6
Some Assembly Required: Toys from the California State Railroad Museum Collection
This exhibit showcases rare vintage toy treasures from the Museum’s collections that are sure to delight visitors of all ages as they enjoy seeing these colorful railroad-themed games, puzzles, toy trains, and more! 

March 1 through June 21
The Migrant Project:  Contemporary California Farm Workers
Compelling images in this photo-documentary exhibition by Rick Nahmias (with bilingual text) proudly showcase the faces and tell the stories of some of these farm workers who are currently working our fields—and highlight numerous issues surrounding the human cost of feeding America.  California farm workers, a workforce numbering over a million, are responsible for harvesting over fifty percent of the nation’s food. 

Through May 31
2009 Winners from the Center for Railroad Photography & Art
View award-winning photographs from this prestigious annual competition organized by the Center for Railroad Photography & Art. The theme of the 2009 competition was “light impressions.” 2009 was also the first year for all-digital entries, which resulted in a record number of submissions: 62 photographers and 275 images. More information about the competition and the Center for Railroad Photography & Art can be found at www.railphoto-art.org.

Opening June 15
2010 Winners from the Center for Railroad Photography & Art
View award-winning photographs from this prestigious annual competition organized by the Center for Railroad Photography & Art. The theme of the 2010 competition was “beyond the locomotive,” and nearly 200 photographers submitted some 700 photographs for consideration—a new record-level of interest in this unique contest. More information about the competition and the Center for Railroad Photography & Art can be found at www.railphoto-art.org.

Opening July 2, 2010
Rails and Reels: Hollywood, Trains and the Making of Motion Pictures
Learn how Hollywood and America’s railroads have had a love affair since the very beginning of motion picture history, and how that attraction has continued through Westerns and into modern times as part of Sci-Fi and dramatic action-packed thrillers. See original scripts, sheet music, movie posters, lobby cards and movie- and television-related artifacts from the collections of the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown. And, learn how famous Sierra Railway “Movie Star” steam locomotive No. 3—which has starred in dozens of motion pictures and television shows—is returning to the rails at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park after a million dollar makeover, ready for more starring roles once again. The exhibit will run through May 31, 2011.

Opening October 1, 2010
Requiem for Steam: The Railroad Photographs of David Plowden
Based on the new book forthcoming this fall from publisher W. W. Norton, this exhibit samples some 30 images from this legendary railroad photographer’s work. Born in 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts, Plowden worked for the Great Northern Railway and American Express Company, and also as an assistant to photographer O. Winston Link, before setting out on his own to write and photograph a variety of subjects including bridges, industrial subjects, rural America and small towns, and railroads. Focusing on the age of steam locomotion on America’s railroads, this new exhibit—and the forthcoming new book—celebrate Plowden’s legacy of words and imagery. The Center for Railroad Photography & Art (www.railphoto-art.org), David Plowden, and the California State Railroad Museum have collaborated to present this exhibition which will run through January 6, 2011.

Continuing
The Golden “Lost Spike”
Until recently, few historians were aware of a “Lost” golden spike that surfaced after being held by a prominent California family for 136 years. A nearly identical twin to the famed “Last” spike of Transcontinental Railroad fame, this Lost Spike is visually intriguing due to intricate engraving and an attached “sprue”—excess metal left over from the casting process. It is on permanent display daily at the Museum, in a specially designed case.

Continuing
Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains
Don’t miss America’s most comprehensive toy train exhibit, showcasing approximately 1,000 vintage toy trains collected over several decades by Mr. Thomas W. Sefton of San Diego. Some 3,300 square feet of exhibits, interactive displays, and a dazzling, operating toy train layout help bring this timeless subject to life in ways that delight young and old alike!

ONGOING

Museum open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s)
(Museum Members enjoy free General Admission year-round)
General Admission: $8 adults, $3 youths ages 6-17, ages 5 and under free*

Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station open occasionally for tours
Guided Tours included with Railroad Museum General Admission
Museum Membership Information: (916) 445-5995

Steam-Powered Excursion Trains operate weekends April-September
(Museum Members enjoy free regular Excursion Train rides year-round)
Train Tickets: $8 adults, $3 youths ages 6-17, children ages 5 and under free*

Trains also operate selected Special Event weekends October-December
(Ticket prices for special trains and events may be higher)
See listings above for dates and additional details 

Museum Store (open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.): (916) 324-4950
Facility & Event Rentals: (916) 445-2560
Railroad Museum Library: (916) 323-8073

School Group Reservations (ReserveAmerica): Toll Free (866) 240-4655
Reservations are Required for School Group Tours of the Railroad Museum
A variety of Tour and Entry Programs are offered for school groups

Huntington & Hopkins Hardware (museum and store) open Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission
Huntington & Hopkins Hardware: (916) 323-7234
Eagle Theatre (interpretive programs and live performances): (916) 323-6343

24-hour events/info line: (916) 445-6645

*ticket prices, events, times, and equipment subject to change without notice