The Transcontinental Railroad: From Horses to Horsepower

 

The Horses to Horsepower: Building the Transcontinental Railroad Program is suitable for Grades 4 and 5 only, and is presented by Museum staff and Docents dressed in period attire.

A Conductor meets your group and leads them on a 5-station tour through the museum learning about the history, stories and contributions of people working on the Transcontinental Railroad.

Station #1 Transcontinental Gallery - Our Conductor introduces your students to the dreamers and schemers involved in building the transcontinental railroad.

Station #2 Help Wanted – Our crew chief speaks to the contribution and hard labor of the Chinese workers building on the western end of the Central Pacific Railroad through the Sierra and beyond.

Station #3 DONE –Our Master of Ceremonies reenacts the Gold Spike ceremony and telegraph message that took place on May 10 1869 as the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met at Promontory Utah.

Station #4 Travel to California- Our train traveler explains the immigration of people to California by rail beginning in the 1870’s.

Station #5 Feeding a Growing Nation- Our farmer discusses how Agriculture became California’s Second Gold Rush -Farm to Fork.

Schedule of Fees:

Cost : $175.00 per class of 45 persons.

• The Horses to Horsepower Program is offered in the Spring (February-April) and Fall (October).
• This popular program is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays only at 10:00, 10:15 10:30 11:00 11:15.
• Adult supervision requirement: 1 adult for every 10 students
• Cancellation Policy: If you are unable to keep your reservation, please call us at (916) 323-9274. Groups cancelling 24 hours prior to visit will receive a full refund of total fees paid, less $25.00 processing fee. No-shows and cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the program will forfeit all fees paid.

Group Size
10 person minimum with a maximum of 45

Adult Supervision Requirement
1 adult for every 10 students

Location
This program is presented within the CA State Railroad Museum. Please assemble at the School Group Entrance located on the east side of the Museum on 2nd street.

Fees: 
Cost is $175.00  per reservation. Museum admission included.