Railtown event Saturday to honor railway workers

The second annual “Working on the Railroad – A Celebration of Sierra Railway Workers” will be held Saturday at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.

The event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will honor the hundreds of current and former Sierra Railway, Sierra Railroad and Railtown 1897 park workers, their descendants and family members. It will include behind-the-scenes tours of the park’s historic shops and roundhouse; special “stations” where visitors can learn various jobs on the railroad; a “memory wall” with photographs and stories about former workers, posted by descendants or the workers themselves; temporary exhibits throughout the park; a special presentation by park curator Lisa DeLacy; music by Patrick Karnahan and Jim Nelson of the Black Irish Band; and more.

“The interpretive event is focused on sharing information about the workers who practiced their trades, their job duties and who they were as individuals and community members,” according to a news release from Railtown. “Some of the occupations highlighted will include maintenance of way, machinist, blacksmith, engineer and conductor.”

Visitors with a past connection to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park are encouraged to bring photographs and documents so photocopies can be made and added to the collection.

The event is free with regular park admission: $5 for adults; $3 for youth ages 6-17; and free for children age 5 and younger.

In addition, steam train rides behind the “Movie Star Locomotive” Sierra No. 3 are available at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and cost $15 for adults, $10 for youths ages 6-17, free for children ages 5 and younger (train ride tickets include park admission).

For more information about “Working on the Railroad” or Railtown 1897 SHP in general, call 209-984-3953 or go to www.railtown1897.org.

This story was originally published September 16, 2015 at 7:33 AM with the headline "Railtown event Saturday to honor railway workers."