Special Exhibit - TRAINS

TRAINS: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County
May 13, 2023 through January 13, 2024

1970.035.001

This new special exhibit showcases the impact of railroads on the county's landscape, people, and economy. Through interactive displays, historical artifacts, and engaging visuals, visitors are transported back in time to witness the dramatic changes that rail transportation brought to Johnson County.

TRAINS explores the transition of isolated subsistence farms in the county into an interconnected network of farms selling for market, the rise and fall of cities, and the emergence of new businesses that sprang up throughout the county. From the early days of the Kansas Pacific Railway to the modern-day BNSF Railway, the exhibit will showcase the evolution of rail transportation itself and highlight how it continues to shape Johnson County today. 

Included with regular museum admission. The Johnson County Museum is located in the Arts & Heritage Center - 8788 Metcalf Ave, OPKS, 66212. 
Open Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors/students/military, and $4 for children. 

Related Programming

Traqueros











Traqueros in Kansas 
Thursday, September 14  |  6:00 PM
Event Space, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

Valerie Mendoza will speak about traqueros - Mexican and Mexican American track workers who were integral to the development of the railroad in Johnson County and beyond.

Registration coming soon.


Courtesy NARS at JCCC











National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) 
Thursday, October 12 |  6:00 PM
Event Space, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

Program and registration information coming soon!


Harvey House











Harvey Houses and Harvey Girls 
Thursday, November 30 |  6:00 PM
Event Space, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

Dee Harris from the National Archives will speak about the Harvey House restaurants and Harvey Girls - an efficient, well-trained, well-groomed corps of waitresses who played an invaluable role in railroad, restaurant, and women’s history. 

Registration coming soon.