In Oregon, the history of railroading and growth of our Black communities are interconnected and interdependent. Oregon Rail Heritage Center recognized this when we planned one of our first exhibits upon opening the Enginehouse in 2012. In conjunction with Oregon Black Pioneers, an education-focused nonprofit, we installed their Railroading and Portland’s Black Community exhibit, which …
In the fall of 2011, celebratory wooden train whistles rang out as construction of Oregon Rail Heritage Center began. Then in September 2012, the building we know today opened its doors to visitors for the first time. Countless volunteer hours were dedicated to this massive project. In its early days ORHF’s primary mission was to …
Climb aboard for the biggest adventure on wheels! Showing at OMSI’s Empirical Theater, Stephen Low’s documentary Train Time propels audiences through the rugged beauty and vastness of the American landscape. Join the crew of a giant freight train for an eye-popping, music-infused journey across America, featuring the iconic Southern Pacific 4449 locomotive. Advance tickets are …
It began with a train ride on Mother’s Day in 2022. Linda’s visit to the Enginehouse prompted her to inquire about volunteering here. She was fast-tracked through the volunteer process and is now one of our valued greeters. A lover of trains her entire life, Linda is delighted to have seen the Freedom Train in …
John Pohlpeter can be seen at the Enginehouse most Wednesdays, and many other days as well. A fireman on the SP 4449 crew, John also works on the Polson #2 during Holiday Express. He is passionate about the Center and the locomotives and is always one of the first to jump in when help of …