(Source: National Railroad Museum press release, July 18, 2014)
GREEN BAY, Wisc. — A new exhibit showcasing the restored Dwight D. Eisenhower locomotive, a British train renamed for President Eisenhower after World War II, will open to the public on Saturday, August 2 at the National Railroad Museum. The opening day celebration will include a rededication ceremony, exhibit tours, tea on the train, train rides, historical reenactments, and children’s activities.
The National Railroad Museum loaned the historic piece to the National Railway Museum of York, England for “The Great Gathering” of A4 Class locomotives in 2012. As part of the loan agreement, the train underwent a cosmetic restoration. It rejoins two restored British passenger cars once used by General Eisenhower during WWII as a mobile command center.
“This exhibit truly highlights the best of the Museum. Not only will visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time as they explore what it was like to travel and operate these unique A4 locomotives during WWII, they will also enjoying a variety of fun hands-on activities that complement the curriculum that is taught in school,” said Jacqueline Frank, the Museum’s executive director.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Locomotive Exhibit – Opening Day Celebration
Schedule of Events
Saturday, August 2, 2014
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
9:00 am — The National Railroad Museum Opens (tickets purchased at the front gate)
9:30 am — Re-dedication Ceremony (Frederick J. Lenfestey Center)
10:00 am — Activities and Exhibit Tours Begin (Frederick J. Lenfestey Center)
10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm — Train Rides along the Fox River (Tickets for train rides may be purchased for $2.00 in the Jodey Lenfestey Children’s Discovery Depot. Children ages under age three ride free.)
11:00 am & 3:00 pm — “Tea on the Train” aboard the Silver Spirit vintage dining car located on the Museum grounds adjacent to the Frederick J. Lenfestey Center. There are 24 seats available at each time for $10.00 per person. Payment may be made on August 2nd by cash, check or credit card. Advanced registration is required by contacting Deanna Novak at dnovak@nationalrrmuseum.org or (920) 437-7623 Ext. 12.
5:00 pm — Museum Closes
Marketing efforts for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Locomotive Exhibit were generously supported by a Joint Effort Marketing grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.
Founded in 1956, the Museum educates the public through programs, exhibits, and preservation projects about the ongoing impact of railroads in our lives. Visiting the National Railroad Museum offers an opportunity to explore our railroad heritage. The Museum is one of the oldest and largest institutions of its kind in the United States.