On Wed, 16 Nov 1994 [log in to unmask] wrote: > Is there anyone in this group who is familiar with railroad or industrial type > museums? What I am looking for is a museum that does a good job of tell a > story of the people. The people side of the story I believe is more important > sometimes that all the displays of engines and cars and things. > I would appreciate any comments. > > Les Jennings > When visiting my brother and his family in Sacramento recently, we all went to visit the California State Railroad Museum. (For two little boys age 3 and 5, it's close to heaven.) I was quite impressed by it, not only by the display of cars and engines, which is very impressive, and by the physical plant, the buildings and so forth, which are first rate, but by the emphasis on just the sort of human dimension you're interested in. They almost stress the human element at the expense of the machinery, but since the machinery is so gorgeously restored and maintained as to need no help, the end result is an excellent balance. Examples: A dining car from the 1950's with each table set in the manner of a different passenger line, with a menu, recalling a small but very vivid detail of travel by rail. A large diorama of the construction of the first railway through the Sierra Nevadas, containing an historical engine that was part of that enormous task, and emphasising the efforts of the thousands of Chinese immigrant laborers. My favorite, a classic Pullman sleeper car, one half in day configuration, one half set for night, and the whole thing rigged to simulate the feel of a car moving at high speed at night, shaking just enough to make you walk carefully, complete with gentle sound effects and the occasional light flashing by the darkened windows. Very effective. They also have a lot of volunteer docents about, including quite a few retired railroad workers, by my impression. They were very helpful, and very informative. There's nothing like an explanation of the cab of a magnificent steam engine by a guy who used to run it. I don't have an address, I'm afraid, but the museum is owned and operated by the California Park Service, and Sacramento directory assistance should be able to help you if you want to get in touch with them. I was quite impressed. Steve Teeter Asst. Curator of Jazz Louisiana State Museum, New Orleans [log in to unmask]