Smithsonian Marks 150th Anniversary of Transcontinental Railroad

WHAT:        To mark the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad, the

                      National Museum of American History is opening the new display,

                      “Forgotten Workers: Chinese Migrants and the Building of the

                      Transcontinental Railroad.” Members of Congress and descendants of

                      Chinese laborers will meet for a photo opportunity and tour of the display

                      to commemorate the day.

 

WHEN:       Friday, May 10

                     9:30 a.m.

 

WHERE:    Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

                     Constitution Avenue entrance, between 12th and 14th streets N.W. 

                     Hall of Transportation, first floor east

 

WHO:         Smithsonian Secretary David J. Skorton

                     Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) 

                     Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.)

                     Rep. T.J. Cox (D-Calif.)

                     National Museum of American History curators Peter Liebhold and Sam Vong

                     Descendants of Chinese migrants

 

The National Museum of American History’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad includes a display focusing on laborers who were often overlooked in the story of the railroad. The photo opportunity in the museum’s Hall of Transportation includes brief remarks from members of Congress and descendants of Chinese railroad workers. 

 

“Forgotten Workers” and the accompanying display, “The Transcontinental Railroad,” are a part of the Smithsonian-wide initiative to mark the Transcontinental Railroad’s 150th anniversary. For more information, visit https://americanhistory.si.edu/transcontinental150. 

 

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