Folsom’s
Railroad Legacy

Celebrating the Route
That Built a Region

 

Join the City of Folsom and its partners in celebrating two historic milestones that helped shape Folsom, the Sacramento region, and California’s future.

In 1856, the completion of the Sacramento Valley Railroad connected Sacramento to Folsom, transforming commerce and mobility across the region. On March 4—200 years to the day of his birth—we also recognize Theodore Judah, chief engineer of the Sacramento Valley Railroad and visionary planner of Folsom’s original townsite, whose legacy continues to influence the city today.

To commemorate these anniversaries, the City of Folsom invites the community to celebrate and learn more about the area’s rich railroad history.

Wednesday, March 4

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Historic Folsom Station Plaza – Railroad Turntable, 905 Leidesdorff Street

Parking available in the Historic District Garage

Train Logo

Event Highlights

  • Talks from local historians and special guests.
  • Railroad turntable demonstrations and displays.
  • Educational exhibits, historic artifacts, and hands-on activities.
  • Period costumes and themed photo opportunities.
  • Free admission to the Historical Outdoor Museum “The Square” and the Folsom Railroad Museum.

Schedule of Events

Railroad Turntable

  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Educational displays and hands-on activities
  • 10:15 a.m. – Turntable demonstration
  • 10:45 a.m. – Miniature donkeys from the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary
  • 12:45 p.m. – Birthday cake for Theodore Judah

The Square

  • 12:15 p.m. – Folsom’s Gold presented by Sutter Street Theatre
  • 1 p.m. – Storytime with the Folsom Public Library

Willamette Wineworks

  • 11 a.m. – SVRR presented by Paul Helman
  • 12 p.m. – Theodore Judah presented by Chuck Spinks
  • 1 p.m. – Anna Judah presented by Christine Pifer-Foote

Event Speaker Bios

Paul Helman

Paul Helman holds a degree in chemical engineering and spent 32 years working for the Procter & Gamble Company in a variety of technical roles. He has been a volunteer docent at the California State Railroad Museum since 2002 and has logged more than 17,500 hours leading tours and bringing railroad history to life. His work includes popular programs such as “The Polar Express.” Paul is also a qualified signal system maintainer for the museum’s excursion railroad.

Chuck Spinks

Chuck Spinks holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering and spent 40+ years planning and designing hydroelectric projects, water and recycled water systems, pump stations, and more. He volunteers for numerous organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Placer-Sierra Railroad Heritage Society. He is a docent at the California State Railroad Museum and Director of the Auburn Veterans Day Parade.

Christine Pifer-Foote

Christine Pifer-Foote is a retired teacher with advanced degrees in education and divinity. For the past five years, she has researched Anna Pierce Judah, with a particular focus on Anna’s lost art. Christine served as the volunteer curator and author of the 12-panel exhibit currently on display at the California State Railroad Museum, “Painting a Legacy: The Search for Anna Judah.” She is currently writing a biography of Anna Judah.

For more information, email communications@folsom.ca.us.