Description

Illinois is the nation’s railroad crossroads. This shaped the state’s economy and communities and created an industry with a cultural allure. The speeding locomotive was a real-life representation of progress, and people gathered trackside to marvel at the big city opulence represented by an Illinois-built Pullman car. Railroads not only accelerated Illinois’ economic development and population growth but also became icons that influenced American culture. 

This event is co-produced by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau. It invites Illinois authors, artists, and educators to share their expertise and enthusiasm with people throughout the state, enabling local nonprofit organizations to present free-admission cultural programs to their communities. Free Event.  RSVP Here.

Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.