Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Nigel Bennett – Treasurer for the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) in Union, IL. Together they discuss the history of the 100-acre Illinois Railway Museum, their history, vast and expansive exhibits, extensive libraries, educational opportunities, and amazing seasonal events for the whole family to enjoy. Also, at the end of the episode Don is joined by co-founder, president and CEO of Boots for Troops – Jimmy Rogers to announce the 2024 – Honor our Heroes award winner! Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading. You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS: 

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
• Nigel was born and raised in England where during his teenage years, steam was the most common locomotive power source on British railways, not unlike the locomotive in Harry Potter.
• The Illinois Railway Museum was founded in 1953, but the railroad history on the site goes back much further than that.
• Their Pullman library and collection are so extensive that the Pullman Historical District and Trust utilizes the IRM as a resource.
• Exhibits at the IRM include their model railroad exhibit, freight train exhibit, post office gallery, full size railcars, locomotives and even buses, totaling over 500 railroad related exhibit items.
• In addition to the wonderful exhibits, visitors can also ride all kinds of trains while there including those powered by steam locomotives and more modern electric trains and trolleys.
• The seasonal events at IRM are many, including the upcoming Pumpkin Train in the fall, the Happy Holiday Railway and Steam Department Benefit at the Sanfillipo Estate. 
• Anyone interested in the IRM can purchase their tickets, make donations and even sign up to volunteer via the IRM website at www.IRM.org .
• The 2024 Honor our Heroes Award winner is……
• Stay tuned for our next episode!

LINKS MENTIONED: 

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com  

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX 

https://www.aldonco.com

https://www.enviroserve.com 

https://www.irm.org