Join the White River Valley Museum for the Spring Open House & Railroad Lecture, April 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with the traveling exhibit “On Track: The Railroad Photographs of Warren McGee.” The exhibit celebrates McGee’s photograph collection as it chronicles and pays tribute to 20th century Northern Pacific trains from Montana to Washington state. Jointly sponsored by Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association, Montana Department of Transportation and Montana Historical Society, “On Track” features nearly 40 stunning photographs taken by McGee over a 60-year period (1930s-1990s).
After seeing “On Track,” be sure to climb aboard a 1924 Northern Pacific Railroad caboose in the museum’s permanent exhibit, “1920s Auburn.” Other permanent exhibits include an 1850s pioneer cabin, hops farming and an 1890s Muckleshoot Indian canoe scene.
The open house is followed by the railroad lecture and slideshow at 7:30 p.m. Kent Sullivan will be joined by Rick Leach and Jack Christensen for a presentation about the NPR Tacoma Division’s 12th Subdivision — the Snoqualmie Branch. This historic branch connected Tacoma to Issaquah, Snoqualmie and North Bend by means of a beautiful, scenic line.
The presentation will include images from the collection of Sullivan and Leach, along with Sullivan’s current research into the history and operation of the Snoqualmie Branch. Engineering features and the massive timber trestles of the line will also be discussed.
Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors/children and free to museum membership categories Train Master, Conductor and Engineer.
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ABOUT THE WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.
The museum is the best local history museum in the state according to the 2007 Washington State Visitors Guide.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and is located at 918 H St. S.E. in Auburn. Regular admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 for event information.
