Roundhouse Crosstalk

This episode Jason Rankins, our Guide II Supervisor at the California State Railroad Museum, will be speaking with Dr. Max Geier, an Emeritus Professor of History at Western Oregon University. Dr. Geier is also the author of the book “The Color of Night: Race, Railroaders, and Murder in the Wartime West.” His book focuses on railroad workers in California and Oregon. The book investigates the trial and conviction of Robert Folkes, a labor organizer and civil rights activist who served as a railroad cook during World War II in the Pacific Northwest. Geier’s book makes a compelling exploration of race, class, and privilege in the wartime Northwest. It contributes to a more extensive understanding of the roles, positions, and union affiliations that Black railroad workers held during the early to mid-twentieth century.

If you are interested in reading Dr. Geier’s book, “The Color of the Night: Race, Railroaders, and Murder in the Wartime West” you can purchase his book on Amazon, or from the Oregon State University Press.

Join us as we sit down with Mia Bay, author of "Traveling Black: A Story of Race and Resistance", to explore the experiences, struggles, and resilience of Black individuals as they navigated through a landscape marked by discrimination and adversity. Bay’s new book uncovers stories that have long been overlooked, shedding light on the enduring legacy of Black travelers and their significant impact on America's transportation history. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on a crucial part of our nation's past.

To learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Black-Story-Race-Resistance/dp/0674979966

In this episode we sit down with LaDonna DiCamillo the Southern California Regional Director for the California High Speed Rail Authority. We discuss updates on the construction process, what the agency is doing to minimize environmental harm, how the agency works with community partners, and what goals the agency has in building the nation’s first high speed rail. 

Learn more:

Website:https://hsr.ca.gov/

Updates: https://hsr.ca.gov/communications-outreach/newsroom/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/CAHighSpeedRail

In this episode of Roundhouse Crosstalk, we sit down with Julia Sizek to delve into the profound impact of the railroad checkerboard on the California Desert, its Ingenious communities, and modern water use rights. Julia's dissertation serves as the foundation for our exploration as we uncover how this historical pattern of land ownership continues to shape the desert today.

To learn more about Dr. Sizek's work: http://www.juliasizek.org/

Join us for this week's episode of Roundhouse Crosstalk where we interview Sarah Federman about her book Last Train to Auschwitz! In this episode we discuss the historical impact of the French railways during the Holocaust. Uncover the complex role the SNCF played as Holocaust collaborators, resistance fighters, and as victims throughout World War II. We'll also explore the complex legal battles surrounding compensation for Holocaust victims and their families and a push for the SNCF to acknowledge its role and open its archival material for scholar.

To learn more about this topic we encourage you to check out Dr. Federman's book: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Train-Auschwitz-National-Accountability/dp/0299331709

Join us for this Week's Episode of Roundhouse Crosstalk where we explore the connection between Southern California's citrus industry and the development of the railroad. For this episode we interview Benjamin Jenkins whose new book, The Octopuses Garden, deep dives into this topic.

To learn more about these connections check out The Octopuses Garden: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700634712/

Join us for this week’s episode of Roundhouse Crosstalk as we explore the Colorado-Kansas Railroad. This little-known railway had big dreams of providing electricity to parts of Kansas and consisting of over 300 miles of electric track. Though this line never succeeded in its ambitious goals, it made a lasting impact on the region through its unintended involvement in local politics that is still felt today. 

To learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Steel-Stone-Colorado-Kansas-Enterprise/dp/1646421272

In this week’s episode H. Roger Grant, professor and prolific railroad author, jumps back on the podcast to discuss the role of the railroad in dreams of utopia. For this podcast we focused on farmers hoping to establish their own community railroads in the late 1800s as a form of self-help and community building. We'll explore the challenges faced by farmers, their grievances against unfair shipping rates and discriminatory practices, and their determination to create a fair and efficient transportation system that would benefit rural communities.

To learn more about H. Roger Grant’s books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/552738.H_Roger_Grant

In our newest episode of Roundhouse Crosstalk “Chasing Trains and Capturing Time: The Railroad Photography of Phil Hasting” we sit down with Tony Reevy to discuss his newest book The Railroad Photography of Phil Hastings. Get ready for an inspiring journey that will transport you to a realm where steel meets artistry, and where trains become more than mere modes of transportation.

Join us for this week's episode of Roundhouse Crosstalk! In this week's episode high school senior Miles Rankins sits down with former Roundhouse Crosstalk co-host Amanda De Fazio and long time museum docent Helen Ornellas to discuss the influence of jazz and the railroad. Musicians traveled from city to city on the trains, playing in clubs and venues across the country. The rhythms of the railroad, the clacking of wheels on tracks, and the sounds of the whistle became part of the musical language of jazz. For his senior project Miles researched the connection between the railroad and jazz music, recorded both interviews, edited, and produced this podcast. The Roundhouse Crosstalk team thanks Miles for his hard work in bringing this story to life!

To learn more: https://www.wbur.org/radioboston/2017/01/19/trains-jazz