Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography
October 9, 2021 through January 2, 2022
"Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography" takes visitors on a striking visual journey into the 1940s through a series of stunningly beautiful black-and-white and color photographs of railroad workers. Their stories are presented through biographies that were meticulously researched and thoughtfully crafted, providing a rare glimpse into the inner milieu of railroaders and the yards and shops in which they operated.
Photographer and documentarian Jack Delano captured the images during his employment with the Office of War Information. Delano transforms the trials and gritty everyday life of railroaders into a poignant and dramatic story of the Homefront effort during World War II, when railroads were vital to transporting personnel and supplies where they were needed.
Delano’s photographs immortalize the hard work and heroic determination of the men and women, many from recently immigrated families, who were tasked with keeping the nation moving during a very challenging time.
"Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography" demonstrates that the railroad industry fostered its own communities and networks that cut across ethnic and religious lines. Through the stories of the lives of the men and women of railroading, the exhibition demonstrates how the people of one industrial community represent, in microcosm, the vastness of Chicago society and, by extension, American society as a whole.
Along with more than sixty of Jack Delano’s magnificent photographs, the museum presents a special collection of rarely seen railroading artifacts from central Illinois during the 1940s.
"Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography" is organized by Center for Railroad Photography & Art in partnership with Chicago History Museum. For more information about the exhibition CLICK HERE.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The museum gratefully acknowledges our exhibition presenting sponsors, Holly & Bon French, with additional support from Visionary Society and Illinois Arts Council Agency.
THE HEIRESS (1949)
William Wyler’s 1949 The Heiress introduced America to the post-war anti-hero, expressed in Hollywood’s young, sullen, often enraged “new” leading men, led by Marlon Brando, James Dean, and, in this film, the wondrous Montgomery Clift. Watch as he struggles to connive his way into wealth and stature as he pursues Olivia de Havilland, over the objections of her father, played by the great Ralph Richardson. One of the iconic films of the 40s, The Heiress was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and de Havilland won for Best Actress. In 1996, The Heiress was selected for preservation in the United States
National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Rarely seen on the big screen, don't miss it!
Fri, Dec 3 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sat, Dec 4, 2021 | 9 AM- Noon
Join us for a magical holiday morning with Santa & friends!
Enjoy a delicious breakfast with specially themed activities followed by "The Polar Express" in the Giant Screen Theater. Each child receives a gift.
Breakfast will include: cheesy scrambled eggs, tater tots, applewood smoked bacon, sausage patties, fresh fruit and sugar pearl waffles.
After the movie, feel free to explore all exhibitions, including "T. rex," and watch a planetarium show,
Seating is limited, register now!
Pricing:
Member Adult: $40.00
Member Child: $50.00
Non-member Adult: $45.00
Non-member Child: $55.00
Visionary Society Member: $40.00
Special thanks to sponsors Dr. Steve & Patty Cullinan and Matt & Alison Unkovich.
THE HEIRESS (1949)
William Wyler’s 1949 The Heiress introduced America to the post-war anti-hero, expressed in Hollywood’s young, sullen, often enraged “new” leading men, led by Marlon Brando, James Dean, and, in this film, the wondrous Montgomery Clift. Watch as he struggles to connive his way into wealth and stature as he pursues Olivia de Havilland, over the objections of her father, played by the great Ralph Richardson. One of the iconic films of the 40s, The Heiress was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and de Havilland won for Best Actress. In 1996, The Heiress was selected for preservation in the United States
National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Rarely seen on the big screen, don't miss it!
Sun, Dec 5 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
THE WILD ONE
Fri, Dec 10 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Dec 12 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Space Out! | The Biggest Telescope Ever Sent to Space
December 11 | 6 PM
Free to Members, $5 Others
NASA is launching a new space telescope this December 18! The James Webb Space Telescope will have a mirror with a diameter three times larger than the amazing Hubble Space Telescope, and will see even farther across space and time, while delivering beautiful pictures and science. In this event learn from a NASA content expert, see how the telescope was designed, built and tested, and learn all you need to know to enjoy following the launch and mission of the James Webb.
THE WILD ONE
Sun, Dec 12 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
SHANE (1953)
George Stevens’ 1953 Shane depicts the struggle between homesteaders and cattle raisers for the rights to the land and water of the old west. Starring in the definitive role of his career, Alan Ladd brings sufficient charm and appeal to the mysterious gunfighter-with-a-past, even if we never find out exactly what that past was. The film builds to the inevitable shoot-out, the mainstay of all westerns (and, metaphorically, all movies), in which Stevens had the gunshots recorded at twice the level of the rest of the soundtrack.
Heroes come and go, and in this tale of the past clashing with the future - with romance hovering over the film like a rainbow after a thunderstorm - it gives us several memorable performances in addition to Ladd’s, including Jean Arthur in her final screen appearance, Van Heflin, Brandon de Wilde, and Jack Palance, the villain who in real life did not know how to ride a horse.
Shane is listed at No. 45 in the 2007 edition of AFI's “100 Years...100 Movies” list, and at No. 3 on AFI's 10 Top 10 all-time westerns. An absolute must-see, especially on the Riverfront Museum’s big screen that gives justice to the brilliance of the film’s Vista Vision cinematography.
Fri, Dec 17 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Dec 19 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Wine & Cheese Under the Stars | Celebrate the Biggest Space Telescope Ever
Sat, December 18, 7-9 PM
Dome Planetarium
Enjoy an evening of delicious food, wine, and the latest news from space in our newly updated planetarium! Each guest will receive an individual charcuterie box featuring nice cheeses, fruits, nuts and more from Canterbury Creations, up to three glasses of wine, and an entertaining evening under the stars. This evening, we will celebrate the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest telescope launched into orbit and the successor to the marvelous Hubble Space Telescope. Plus, enjoy a tour of the night sky, a trip through our solar system, and a flight out to the edge of space and back.
Doors open at 6:45 PM
The program will be in two parts, allowing time to socialize and refill your wine glass between the shows.
Ages 21+
$45 members | $55 public
Get your tickets here.
All supplies provided for programs unless otherwise noted. All paid programs require a minimum number of participants to run or will be cancelled two business days prior to the start date. Pre-registration required.
Piano Concert with Dr. Tony Karam
Sun, Dec 19, 2021 | 2:30PM
Scottish Rite Theatre
Join us for this once in a lifetime concert to help those truly in need! Located at the Scottish Rite Theatre on Sunday, December 19, at 2:30pm, Peoria will gather to support the Lebanese American University - LAU Medical Center. Reserve your tickets now, click here.
“‘From Peoria to Lebanon,’ a unique multitiered benefit, pairs the musical genius of Dr. Tony Karam with an exquisite art exhibition by the leading contemporary artists of Lebanon with one goal in mind – to offer help, hope and a future for those who, in the aftermath of the devastating Beirut Port explosion and a total economic collapse of Lebanon’s currency, cannot afford even the basics of medical care.”
- Michele Couri, MD, honorary chair, “From Peoria to Lebanon”
TICKETS click here
CONCERT PROGRAM click here (PDF)
About the Artist - Antoine "Tony" Karam, MD
An internationally renowned pianist since childhood, Beirut native Dr. Tony Karam is a distinguished OBGYN who practiced in the U.S. and currently practices in Lebanon. Dr. Karam received his double M.S., Microbiology & Immunology, High Honors, and MD from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
SHANE (1953)
George Stevens’ 1953 Shane depicts the struggle between homesteaders and cattle raisers for the rights to the land and water of the old west. Starring in the definitive role of his career, Alan Ladd brings sufficient charm and appeal to the mysterious gunfighter-with-a-past, even if we never find out exactly what that past was. The film builds to the inevitable shoot-out, the mainstay of all westerns (and, metaphorically, all movies), in which Stevens had the gunshots recorded at twice the level of the rest of the soundtrack.
Heroes come and go, and in this tale of the past clashing with the future - with romance hovering over the film like a rainbow after a thunderstorm - it gives us several memorable performances in addition to Ladd’s, including Jean Arthur in her final screen appearance, Van Heflin, Brandon de Wilde, and Jack Palance, the villain who in real life did not know how to ride a horse.
Shane is listed at No. 45 in the 2007 edition of AFI's “100 Years...100 Movies” list, and at No. 3 on AFI's 10 Top 10 all-time westerns. An absolute must-see, especially on the Riverfront Museum’s big screen that gives justice to the brilliance of the film’s Vista Vision cinematography.
Sun, Dec 19 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
Fri, Jan 7 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Jan 9 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955)
Sun, Jan 9 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
RAINTREE COUNTRY (1957)
Fri, Jan 14 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Jan 16 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
RAINTREE COUNTRY (1957)
Sun, Jan 16 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
A FACE IN THE CROWD (1957)
Fri, Jan 21 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Jan 23 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
A FACE IN THE CROWD (1957)
Sun, Jan 23 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
BULLITT (1963)
Fri, Jan 28 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Jan 30 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
BULLITT (1963)
Sun, Jan 30 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
Fri, Feb 4 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Feb 6 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
Sun, Feb 6 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
RAGING BULL (1980)
Fri, Feb 11 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
Sun, Feb 13 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
RAGING BULL (1980)
Sun, Feb 13 | 2:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
TIGHTROPE (1984)
Fri, Feb 18 | 6:30 PM
Tickets: CLICK HERE
TIGHTROPE (1984)
Ticket info to come,
