Tracks: The Railroad in Photographs from the George Eastman House Collection
January 14, 2011 - April 22, 2011
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Tracks: The Railroad in Photographs from the George Eastman House Collection
January 15 – April 24, 2011
Organized by the George Eastman House, this exciting exhibition explores 160 years of railroad and photographic history. Both trains and photographs emerged around the same time in history and can be credited with changing how we perceive the world. Trains offered access to places that seemed impossible to reach by foot while photography captured details often missed by the human eye. In the United States, the railroad and photography played an important role in opening the West and in the development of national identity. Even today, when cars and airplanes have become the preferred methods of travel, trains continue to hold sway over our imaginations. We continue to cherish memories of playing with model railroads and of waiting on a train platform for a glimpse of an oncoming train, hearing its far-off warning whistle.
The range of photographs and concerns represented in this exhibition is sure to please a variety of audiences, including history buffs, lovers of the American West and train enthusiasts. Tracks will be accompanied by a companion exhibition that will explore the history and significance of the railway in the Quad-Cities area.
Organized by the George Eastman House Collection
Sponsored by
This program is su
Watch a classic movie about trains in March and April at the Figge. Different films each week, and films are free with museum admission.
Learn more about the companion exhibition Crossing the Mississippi: The Quad Cities, the Railroad, and Art.
2011 is the year of the train in the Quad Cities. Find out more about other Quad Cities events to be held throughout the year.
image: Lewis. W. Hine, American 1874-1940, {Man working on steam boiler} from the series Railroad Workers and Rail Photos (detail), ca. 1920, toned gelatin silver print, transfer from Photo League Lewis Hine Memorial Committee, ex-collection of Corydon Hine, courtesy of George Eastman House 1978:0993:0073.
image: Lewis W. Hine, American 1874-1940, {Man cleaning lenses on signal light} from the series Railroad Workers and Rail Photos, ca.1920, toned gelatin silver print, printed from original negative 85:0279:0033, transfer from Photo League Lewis Hine Memorial Committee; ex-collection of Corydon Hine, courtesy George Eastman House 1978:0993:0033.
Thursday October 31st