
On Saturday, January 18, Jason Klocke presented a program on the Mason City & Clear Lake Railroad. A big thank you to Jason, and to everyone who attended, whether in person, or on Zoom!
Our popular series will continue on Saturday, February 8 at 2:00 pm at the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum with a presentation by Cate Kratville-Wrinn. Cate will present a program highlighting her remarkable Father and railroad author Bill Kratville.
Bill spent a lifetime photographing, owning, repairing, and writing about trains, and Cate will have many unknown interesting stories to tell, including his part in creating Amtrak. Bill spent more than 40 years being heavily involved with the railroad. Be sure to see this revealing bit of U.S. railroading history.
This program is partially sponsored by Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Please request a Zoom link by contacting the museum.
Upcoming programs include:

- Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 pm
- Eric Fogg presents: The Merci Train Comes to Iowa. Eric explores the little known story behind the French Gratitude Train. What’s come to be known as the “Merci Train”, it’s an example of everyday people taking time and making the effort to help one another. Whatever happened to the train and those 49 box cars that are now 80 years old? Join us on March 8th to find out. This program is partially sponsored by Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

- Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 pm
- Don L. Hofsommer presents: “Iowa Passenger Service in the 1950s & 60s”. Don Hofsommer will present a free illustrated Powerpoint ZOOM program on the rise, zenith and eventual downfall of Iowa Passenger Service after WWII. This photo heavy program will take you back to relive the glory years of Iowa rail travel and why it is so different today. Join us for this fascinating look at Iowa railroad history. This program is partially sponsored by Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities.