Gold Spike Lecture: Photographing the Transcontinental Railroad

Glenn Willumson, professor emeritus at the University of Florida, and author of Iron Muse: Photographing the Transcontinental Railroad, will share his unique expertise on the history and myth-making of the American West created by the power of visual images largely viewed via stereotypes. An advisor to the exhibition, The Race to Promontory: The Transcontinental Railroad and the American West, Willumson will delve into the philosophical, cultural and commercial impact of the railroad in 19th century America.

Timed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Sacramento History Museum — in partnership with the California State Railroad Museum, Center for Sacramento History, and the Crocker Art Museum — is proud to present the Gold Spike Lecture Series that will take place April through September 2019.