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2019 was the “Year of the Train” and we celebrated all year long. Below are highlights of events that took place each month in 2019.
UTAH STATE CAPITOL BUILDING, SALT LAKE CITY
Follow the footsteps of the thousands of immigrant workers whose hard work made the Transcontinental Railroad a reality. This is a unique photographic exhibit that provides a glimpse into the life and journey of these dedicated workers.
UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, SALT LAKE CITY
This exhibit is a rare opportunity to view the world’s largest collection of original photographs and stereographs documenting the construction of the transcontinental railroad.
DOWNTOWN SALT LAKE CITY
To honor of the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike and the many Irish immigrants whose hard work and dedication made this historic feat a reality, this year’s parade theme is “Joining of the Rails: 1776 Miles to Home”. So pull out the lawn chair, put on your green and gold and join the celebration.
BRIGHAM CITY MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY
Experience the journey of the thousands of hard-working Chinese immigrants whose dedication and sacrifices made the Transcontinental Railroad a reality. This photographic exhibit juxtaposes historical images taken by photographers from Union Pacific and Central Pacific with modern day images taken by freelance photographer Mr. Li Ju.
WESTERN BOX ELDER COUNTY
Join local historians and cultural-resource staff on a tour of places where immigrant workers lived, relevant archeological sites and amazing engineering feats. For more information and to make reservations visit: https://preservationutah.org/experience/attend-an-event/item/1015-power-of-place.
SUMMIT COUNTY LIBRARY, PARK CITY
This fascinating exhibit presents new analysis focused on how the Chinese railroad workers contributed to shaping the landscapes of the West. Using research and analysis from historians and scholars the exhibit delves into the life of these individuals after their work on the railroad was complete.
RIO GALLERY, SALT LAKE CITY
Enjoy a stroll through this exhibit featuring over 30 Utah artists presenting their creations focused on the impact and legacy of the Transcontinental Railroad. This visually-stimulating display includes a host of art media.
PROMONTORY SUMMIT
Pack up the car and head to Promontory Summit to join in the celebration. The next round of tickets goes on sale April 1. For a full schedule of events visit www.spike150.org.
HEBER VALLEY RAILROAD
Take a trip back to 1869 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad. Before you hop on the train, take some time to dress up in period clothing for a photo in front of the steam locomotive and watch an authentic old west gunfight. The celebration continues after you depart the train with a bonfire and fireworks. Get your tickets today!
OGDEN’S HISTORIC 25TH STREET
If you know trains, then you don’t want to miss seeing the newly restored, majestic 1940s Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 and 844 steam trains! Stop by Union Station during the festival to ooh and aah over these historic beauties.
RIO TINTO STADIUM, SANDY
Calling all soccer fans! Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike while cheering on your favorite Utah soccer teams: Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals FC. The Rio Tinto Stadium carnival area will be filled with food vendors and train-related activities. To purchase tickets, click the link below and use promo code Spike150.
UTAH STATE CAPITOL GOLD ROOM, SALT LAKE CITY
View original artifacts from the 1869 joining of the Transcontinental Railroad, including the Pacific Rail Act signed by President Lincoln, three of the last spikes driven into the railroad and the historic “Golden Spike”.
LEDGES EVENT CENTER, COALVILLE
Don’t miss this fascinating traveling exhibit focused on stories about the thousands of Chinese immigrants who helped build the Transcontinental Railroad.
BRIGHAM CITY MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY
Explore the myths and realities surrounding the building of the Transcontinental Railroad at this unique exhibit.
UTAH CULTURAL CELEBRATION CENTER, WEST VALLEY CITY
Stop by to see this unique collection of images that traces the partnership between the National Park Service and Union Pacific.
SALT LAKE CITY
The theme of this year’s conference is “Isolation and Integration”. As part of the conference, speakers will focus on historical moments, such as the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, that reflect on Mormons’ desire for isolation as well as the corresponding pull toward integration. For more information, visit https://mormonhistoryassociation.org/ or by clicking below.
MOUNTAIN AMERICA EXPOSITION CENTER, SANDY
Open to the public, this model train show will spark curiosity about the hobby of railroading in attendees both young and old.
ANNE JESPERSEN FINE ARTS, HELPER
Famously known as the site of Butch Cassidy’s first robbery, Helper is one of the most historically significant small towns in Utah. The town’s development was strongly influenced by the presence of the train and mining industries. This exhibit is a curated collection of images focused on historic Helper, the train, the routes, and the landscape.
WELLINGTON CITY
Join in Wellington City’s 24th of July celebration that will honor the city’s rich history with the railroad and sugar beet farmers!
SPRINGVILLE MUSEUM OF ART, SPRINGVILLE
This family-friendly exhibit celebrates the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad through art focused on trains, the railroad, railroad workers and the West. Featuring artworks from the Museum’s Permanent Collection, as well as selected works from BYU Museum of Art, the LDS Church History Museum and Utah Museum of Fine Arts, this exhibit is a visual treat for people of all ages.
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF ART, PROVO
This exhibit explores the ways photographers throughout history have used images of the railroad in depictions the West. These images were often used in promotional materials. Images from many prominent photographers, including William Henry Jackson, Timothy H. O’Sullivan, and Carleton E. Watkins, bring to life the historically significant role of the Transcontinental Railroad. For more information, visit https://www.nowplayingutah.com/event/after-promontory/ or by clicking below.
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY, LOGAN
If you are interested in a more in-depth understanding of the impact and significance, both historically and modern day, of the Transcontinental Railroad, then you will not want to miss this presentation. For more information, visit http://www.usu.edu/calendar/?id=68838&type=28 or by clicking below.
SOUTH SALT LAKE
Take a tour of South Salt Lake’s public art murals created by local artists located along the S-line corridor in South Salt Lake. Be sure to check out the Spike 150 Celebration mural. For more information on the murals, visit http://utaharts.org/mural-fest/ or by clicking below.
OGDEN
Mark your calendar for an evening with the Kruger Brothers, in concert with the Chamber Orchestra Ogden and dance performances by Imagine Ballet Theatre. The performance features a recently-commissioned composition created by Jens Kruger focused on Ogden and its unique history as a rail town.
SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY, CEDAR CITY
This exhibit provides a rare opportunity to view historical photographs, maps, art and lithographs that tell the story of Utah’s role in the Transcontinental Railroad and how its completion changed Utah and the nation.
MARRIOT LIBRARY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH, SALT LAKE CITY
In Utah, current-day government, education and library connections to the internet’s fiber technology run along the very same lines that were used to build our state’s railroad infrastructure. Learn the history—from the use of the telegraph in 1869 to communicate with the world, to today’s plans to increase capacity for today’s video demands. Explore how Utah’s groundbreaking fourth-node of the original internet, ArpaNet, brought together institutions from the East and West.
