Amtrak: America’s Railroad for 40 Years!
8/6/2013
For over 30 years, the Museum of the American Railroad has partnered with Amtrak to share the advantages and enjoyment of traveling by rail. Through Texas Eagle equipment displays during State Fairs since 1996 and special exhibits at each annual National Train Day in Dallas, visitors have enjoyed a first-hand look at Amtrak's equipment and amenities.
In 2011, in celebration of Amtrak’s 40th anniversary, America’s Railroads offered the public an opportunity to view a special Exhibit Train, a unique traveling display showcasing the railroad’s history. The train was immensely popular nationwide and continues to travel the U.S. and share the history of Amtrak and its role in the future of intercity transportation. Upon completion of the Museum's exhibit trackage in Frisco, look for Amtrak's exhibit train to be on hand for opening festivities.
The exhibit showcases Amtrak history over the decades, displaying memorabilia such as vintage advertising, past menus and dinnerware, and period uniforms. Most locations also will have train-themed kids’ activities at Chuggington Depot, and feature characters from the popular train-based television series on Disney Junior.
Information about each stop can be found on the official website at Amtrak40th.com along with other information about Amtrak history.
In addition, commemorative 40th anniversary merchandise will be available for purchase onboard the train including: Amtrak: An American Story, a 144-page commemorative book that chronicles the history of the railroad with archival photographs, a historical timeline and personal narratives for each decade; Amtrak: The First 40 Years, a documentary DVD produced for public television that provides an exclusive look inside America’s Railroads with hard-to-find photographs and video footage as well as interviews with past and present leaders; and a commemorative cachet (envelope) that bears a special pictorial postmark authorized by the United States Postal Service.
For more information on Amtrak’s 40th anniversary, visit the official website at Amtrak40th.com. The site provides details of the anniversary celebration and tells the Amtrak story by allowing users to explore 40 years of historic photographs and other materials in an extensive and dynamic archive. The site also hosts a blog, provides a link to an online store, and allows individuals to sign up to receive an email alert when the Exhibit Train is coming near their town.
About Amtrak®:
Celebrating 40 years of dedicated service as America’s Railroads, Amtrak is the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator. A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies. Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010. Enjoy the journeys at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information