Family-Friendly History Event on Track at James J. Hill House

Family-Friendly History Event on Track at James J. Hill House

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First-ever Train Day events to take place May 13-14

ST. PAUL, Minn (May 4, 2023) – The James J. Hill House has just the ticket for families to both enjoy and educate themselves about trains. The historic St. Paul home will host its first ever Train Day events May 13 and 14th.

James J. Hill was nicknamed the “empire builder” for assembling the Great Northern railroad network in the 19th Century. He was one of the most successful railroad magnates of his time.

Family-friendly activities include Bluegrass music concerts with train-related songs, kids’ train tables, and a train-themed selfie station. There will also be a drawing and poetry workshop on Saturday by Pat Bauer and David Geister, the author and illustrator of Making Minnesota.

The weekend includes the launch of a train photography exhibit Call of Trains and lectures by Hill House Program Associate Alex Weston on hobo culture. The home will be open for self-guided tours throughout the weekend.

What: Train Day Events

When: May 13, 10 am–4 pm and May 14, 11 am–4 pm

Where: James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Avenue, St. Paul

More information here

Train Day events are made possible with the support of program partners Minnesota Transportation Museum, Twin City Model Railroad Museum, MN Operation Lifesaver, and MnDOT’s Northern Lights Express project.

The James J. Hill House will be hosting a sensory friendly event from 9 am–10 am on Saturday, May 13th before opening to the public for Train Day. Sensory Friendly Days are by RSVP only. More information here.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.