By David Markham

With topics ranging from Mexican and Mexican-American track workers to Harvey Houses and Harvey Girls, the Johnson County Museum is planning four programs this fall relating to its ongoing special exhibit about the local impact of railroads.

The special interactive exhibit, “TRAINS: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County,” opened at the museum in mid-May and examines how everything changed after the railroad came through Johnson County for the first time in 1867.

The related upcoming programs are:

• Sept. 14: Traqueros in Kansas
• Oct. 12: National Academy of Railroad Sciences
• Nov. 6: Harvey Houses and Harvey Girls
• Dec. 7: Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas

These programs all take place beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday nights. Except for the December program, which is a free virtual presentation, these presentations are all for ages 16 and older at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center.

The cost is $8 per person with a 20% discount for museum members.

“I’m especially excited about (Washburn University Historian and Grant Director and a fourth-generation Mexican American Kansan) Valerie Mendoza’s presentation on traqueros, the Mexican and Mexican American track workers who were integral to the railroad’s expansion,” said Museum Curator of Engagement Lindsey Arnold Seevers. “I’m glad we can share the lesser-known parts of history, especially about railroad workers and how their impact is still felt today.”

More information about all four related programs is available at JCPRD.com.

The Johnson County Museum is located inside the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. Exhibit admission is included with regular museum admission of $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for children ages 1 to 17, and free for children under one.

The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays and holidays.

David Markham is communications specialist at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.