To celebrate and recognize the African American’s role on the railways of the South, the Southern Museum will display various images and artifacts relating to their invaluable service.

The photographs and railway company articles on display will highlight the occupations they filled, including dining car porters, waiters, cooks, track gangs, firemen and machine shop workers. In addition, some of the artifacts on display will include a large-scale model of a Pullman car, a porter coat, cap and dinnerware used on various railway dining cars.

The railways offered employment opportunities to the African American that were not previously available to them. With these new jobs, many were able to use their earnings to buy new homes and provide a better education for their children. Their loyalty in service to their respective railways often spanned their lifetime, and it was not uncommon to work 25 years or more.

Come to the Southern Museum for “Up Through the Rails,” an intriguing look at how African Americans contributed to the history of the railroad.

This exhibit is free with Museum admission.

Photos courtesy of the Southern Museum, SRHA Collection.