For Additional Information Contact: Deanna Novak
Phone: 920-437-7623, x-12
The National Railroad Museum’s annual summer event offers education for the entire family and a special opportunity to see the Eisenhower locomotive before it is loaned to England.
Ashwaubenon (Green Bay, Wis.) – Step back in time at the National Railroad Museum’s fourth annual World War II Reenactment on July 14 – 15, 2012. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore WWII history through battles, encampments, lectures and other engaging events throughout the weekend. This is also the last chance to see the Eisenhower locomotive before it leaves on a two-year loan to the National Railway Museum in York, England.
The daytime reenactment will feature German, English, and American encampments and battles at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, that are only accessible by the Museum’s train. Patrons are encouraged to interact with the reenactors as they recreate scenarios from history throughout each day. Special appearances by Eleanor Roosevelt (played by Jessica Michna) will be held on Saturday (10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2:30 p.m.); WIXX’s John Maino will speak about local WWII Veterans on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. The Museum’s educator, Bob Lettenberger, will speak about the use of trains in American wars on Sunday, July 15th at 10:30 a.m. The Gen. Eisenhower command coaches will be open for guided tours throughout the weekend.
“World War II was a significant period in American history,” stated Jacqueline Frank, Museum executive director. “As more veterans are passing, it is important to keep alive their memory, and how this event influenced American life and culture then — as well as today. This event will allow patrons to immerse themselves in history and learn about the event in a really fun, meaningful way.”
This will also be one of the last weekends for the public to see General Eisenhower’s command train, including the Eisenhower locomotive, which is slated for loan to the National Railway Museum in York, England. The A-4 class of locomotive – the same type of locomotive as the Eisenhower – achieved the world steam engine speed record in 1938 when it traveled 126 miles per hour. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the achievement, the National Railway Museum in York is gathering all six remaining A-4 for display and educational programming under the patronage of Prince Charles. The Eisenhower and the Dominion of Canada (held at Exporail in Montreal) will be brought to England for a two-year loan where both will undergo a cosmetic restoration that will bring them back to their historic look.
Stated Steve Davies, executive director of the National Railway Museum in York, England: “We wanted to do something really special to mark the 75th anniversary and what could be more spectacular than an international family reunion for the A4s? When these mighty machines were exported across the Atlantic in the Sixties, no one thought they would ever come back, now the planning of their journey to the UK is well advanced. The sheer scale of this project to move these locomotive back to home soil is immense and it is testament to the vision of the National Railway Museum and our transatlantic colleagues that we are able to make this happen.”
“Our international partnership with the National Railway Museum in York is a wonderful opportunity for us to share the Museum’s wonderful collection with others across the world”, stated Jacqueline Frank, Museum executive director. “No only will the piece be part of an important celebration in England, but when it returns it will restored and part of a new permanent exhibit about WWII and Eisenhower at the National Railroad Museum.”
The Dwight D. Eisenhower was built for the London and North Eastern Railway in 1937. The locomotive was originally named Golden Shuttle. It was renamed and was renamed the Dwight. D. Eisenhower after the Second World War on November 1946 in honor of then General Eisenhower and his work as Supreme Allied Commander. The locomotive was cosmetically restored at Doncaster Works in 1963 and was shipped to the USA the following spring, arriving in New York harbor on 11 May 1964, from where it was shipped by rail to the National Railroad Museum. Two of General Eisenhower’s command cars – one of which he worked and slept – were donated to the National Railroad Museum a few years later.
The Museum grounds will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15, 2012. Reenactment activities will take place throughout both days. Admission, which includes all regular exhibits and all reenactment events, is $9.00 – Adults; $8.00 –Senior Citizens; and $6.50 – Children (ages 4 – 12).
Founded in 1956, the Museum works to foster an understanding of railroading and its significance to American life. Visiting the National Railroad Museum offers you an opportunity to explore our railroad heritage. Sit in the cab of the Union Pacific Big Boy, the world’s largest steam locomotive. View Gen. Eisenhower’s World War II command train. Examine the future of railroading in the sleek 1955 General Motors Aerotrain. The Museum is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the U.S.
