The Lane County Historical Museum is proud to present an exhibit created by the Oregon Black Pioneers, our state’s premier resource for African American cultural heritage information. The coming of railroads to Oregon in the late 1800’s provided employment for African American men after the Civil War. Jobs opened up for them first in building the tracks, then aboard the train. Rails Through Eugene tells the stories of these people using photos, artifacts and scholarly research relating to train travel on the Oregon Electric Railway, the first electric interurban rail line in Oregon. Exhibit open from July 19 – October 09, 2016. (Events listed below are FREE to attend)
- Opening Reception Friday, September 9th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- Guest lecture: artist and sculptor Bill Rutherford – Black History in Oregon, Saturday, September 17, 2:00 pm
- Guest lecture: NAACP President Eric Richardson – Blue Train: The Tale of The Rails, Saturday, Oct 1st, 2:00 pm
Illustration from “Trains at work” by Mary Elting, Published c1953
Little Women is a classic of children’s literature that provides a glimpse into the home lives of young women during a time of great tumult and change in American history. The March sisters are among the most beloved literary characters of all time, inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s unusual upbringing among transcendentalist philosophers in New England. This exhibit will discuss the life and work of Louisa May Alcott, including the inspiration she found in her own life experiences. Artifacts will include mid-19th century clothing, handicrafts, antique dolls, toys, and children’s books from the LCHM collection.
Illustration by Riika Sormunen. Spanish edition of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, published by Random House.
Exhibit open through October 1st, 2016
