(Source: Amtrak press release (PDF), December 21, 2011)
CHICAGO — In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Amtrak, America’s Railroad is offering the public an opportunity to view an Exhibit Train, a unique traveling display showcasing the railroad’s history. In January, it will make two stops in Texas and one stop each in Oklahoma and Louisiana.
• Jan. 7 & 8 — Fort Worth Intermodal Station, Fort Worth
• Jan. 14 & 15 — Amtrak (Santa Fe) Station, Oklahoma City
• Jan. 21 & 22 — Amtrak Station, San Antonio
• Jan. 28 & 29 — Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans
The free exhibit is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day to showcase Amtrak history over the decades, displaying memorabilia such as vintage advertising, past menus and dinnerware, and period uniforms. All four locations feature train-themed kids’ activities at Chuggington Depot, based on the popular children’s animated 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 that provides an exclusive look inside America’s Railroad® with hard-to-find photographs and video footage as well as interviews with past and present leaders.
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.