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What's Coming Down the Line: The Railroad in the American Mind (Adults)

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Come on aboard and hear the whistle blow, as we explore the railroad's cultural impact with Mike Matejka!

Illinois is the nation’s railroad crossroads. This not only shaped the state’s economy and communities but created an national industry with 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 which was reflected in advertising, films, music, children's toys, and more! The national land-based transportation network radically changed the economy, how people traveled, the concept of punctuality, and how corporate structure evolved. Rail workers were seen as heroes as they faced an extremely dangerous occupation. Join us for this visual lecture exploring these topics with Mike Matejka.

Mike Matejka from Normal, IL, is a historian, writer, and community organizer with a passion for Illinois labor history and years of experience presenting to a wide range of audiences. He currently writes for the Peoria Labor Paper, is on the McLean County Museum of History board, is the Illinois Labor History Society's vice-president and on the Historic Pullman Foundation advisory committee.

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