Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum hosts railroad history exhibit

The Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum is hosting an exhibition about the history of the railroad in Grayslake.

The exhibit will run through Feb. 23 in the museum, 164 Hawley St. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and during downtown activities. The exhibit opened Oct. 13.

“All Aboard: A History of Railroads in Grayslake” explores the role of the iron horse in the creation of Grayslake and its importance to local businesses and residents.

The railroad show at the museum will include rare images and artifacts from the collection of the Grayslake Historical Society, as well as items loaned by local collectors. A working model train, with a Soo Line engine and cars, will be on display.

Hands-on learning opportunities related to the history of the railroad will appeal to the younger visitors.

Two railway systems were prominent players in the development of Grayslake in the late 1800s and early 1900s: The Wisconsin Central Railway, later to become the Soo Line, and the Milwaukee Road, originally named the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway.

The railroads provided an economical and efficient means to transport agricultural, commercial and industrial products to and from the community, as well as providing convenient transportation to passengers to and from Grayslake to jobs and recreation.

For more information, contact Dave Oberg, executive director, at (847) 543-1745 or email doberg@villageofgrayslake.com.

For information about the Grayslake Historical Society Society, call (847) 223-7663 or email charenehan@aol.com.