Explore how railroads shaped our Eastern Shore industries.  What does the future of rail transport look like in our region?

Explore the rich and diverse railroad history of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a story deeply intertwined with the rise and fall of the region’s industries. 

This course will guide you through the evolution of rail on the Eastern Shore, starting with the establishment of the New Castle and French Town Railroad in the 1830s and continuing through to modern-day operations and future developments. Discover how railroads shaped the local economy and landscape, and gain insights into what lies ahead for rail transport in the region.

What to Expect: 

1. Historical Understanding: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the development of railroads on the Eastern Shore, from their early origins to present-day operations, and how they influenced the region’s industrial growth and decline. 
2. Industry and Economic Insights: Analyze the relationship between the railroad industry and key economic changes on the Eastern Shore, understanding how transportation infrastructure shaped local industries and communities. 
3. Future Rail Perspectives: Assess current trends in rail transportation on the Eastern Shore and explore potential future directions, including the impact of modern policies and technologies on regional rail operations.

NOTE: A field trip by carpool, to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, PA, is offered separately on Feb 28

3 sessions | Wednesdays | February 12, 19, 26 | 10:30 – noon | HYBRID course at the Easton Family YMCA (choose in-person in the classroom, join thru zoom, or wait for the recording) | $50