Explore Model Trains and Hobohemia While Ridin’ the Rails at the Fort Collins Museum

Model trains have once again hit the tracks in the gallery as the Fort Collins Museum presents its newest exhibit Ridin’ the Rails, which opened in the First Floor Gallery on November 21. The exhibit will also present a historical perspective on hobo culture (hobohemia), which developed in close association with the expansion of America’s railroad network.

Visitors to Ridin’ the Rails will have a direct impact on its appearance, as they design and build their own addition to the miniature community which will grow up alongside a working

HO scale model train. The history and contemporary lore of freighthoppers, fruit tramps, and hobos will be featured using photographs, words, and hands-on activities. Though more than half a century separates us from the era when several hundreds of thousands of these itinerant workers hitched clandestine train rides as they moved between the end of one job and the beginning of the next, hoboes remain as intriguing, shadowy figures on our national landscape. Activities include deciphering hobo symbols and packing your own bindle to ride the rails.

This exhibit is part of the City of Fort Collins’ Depot Tour, featuring model trains in over 30 businesses throughout the city. Ridin’ the Rails closes on January 28, 2007.

The Fort Collins Museum is located at 200 Mathews Street, Fort Collins. Museum hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00–5:00 pm, Sunday Noon–5 pm. For more information about this and other exhibits and programs, please call the Museum at 970-221-6738 or visit the website: fcgov.com/museum. A $2.00 donation is suggested. Visit the Fort Collins Museum Store for educational and fun items and support the Fort Collins Museum!

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