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From the Executive Director
Summer is officially here, and there's no place I'd rather be than Pullman. The days are longer, the brick glows in the sunlight, and the town fills with visitors discovering the American history that lives here. Every one of those moments is a memory in the making, and not one of them happens on its own.
The best of the season is almost here. We're thrilled to host our fifth annual Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park July 25 and 26, presented this year by Alstom. This year's celebration carries special historical significance, marking 100 years since the electrification of the Illinois Central suburban service. I hope you'll join us in welcoming WTTW's Geoffrey Baer to Railroad Days, too (more on that and Railroad Days below!).
This spring, friends old and new stepped up for Pullman, and a weekend like Railroad Days, really a whole summer like this, only happens because of you. Thank you for showing up for Pullman, for caring about its history, and for keeping this park alive for everyone who walks through it.
I hope you'll spend a day with us at Railroad Days this summer, our highlight of the season. Like I said, there's no place I'd rather be than Pullman, and I'd love to make a few more memories here with you.
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See you in the park,
Peggy Parfenoff
P.S. None of this happens without partners. Our presenting sponsor, Alstom, continues a story of railcar craftsmanship that started right here more than a century ago.
Learn more about Alstom and their connection to the Pullman legacy.
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Join Us in Pullman for Chicago's Most Electric Weekend: Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park!
One hundred years ago, the Illinois Central Railroad and the Pullman Company reshaped Chicago forever.
Join us as we share this long-forgotten story! When the switch was flipped in 1926, Chicago's who's who of civic and business leaders celebrated with one of the largest multi-day events in the city's history. And they had good reason. The electrification put Daniel Burnham's lakefront vision into action, cleaned Chicago's air, moved commuters faster and more safely than ever, and transformed South Shore service for riders coming in from Northwest Indiana. The Pullman-built cars that powered this new system didn't just change transportation — they sparked explosive real estate development across the South Side and southern suburbs, turning prairies into thriving communities.
This July, in cooperation with Metra and the Illinois Railway Museum, these historic cars are coming home.
Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park – July 25 & 26, presented by Alstom – is two days of history you can touch, hear, and feel. Step aboard the iconic cars and walk through a century of story. Chicago broadcasting legend Geoffrey Baer talks about his new program, “Riding the Rails" (Sunday only). Explore the deeper Pullman story, venture beyond the tracks on walking tours, and dive into a STEAM fair celebrating a century of electric innovation. There's live music sponsored by Goodman Theatre, rides on CPKC's Pufferbelly, face painting, and plenty more to discover.
It's electrifying! And we'd love to see you there.
🎟 Buy Tickets – rail cars and walking tours; STEAM Fair and programming are free!
🙋 Volunteer – Enthusiasm is all you need.
📣 Spread the Word – bring a friend, neighbor, or history lover.
Volunteer Sign Up Page
Alstom
Questions? Contact@friendsofpullman.com
| | PHOTO: Friends of Pullman | | |
Meet Jess, Marketing Intern
Hello, I'm Jess! I am a recent graduate from the University of Chicago where I studied Public Policy/Gender and Sexuality Studies. Living in and exploring the city over the last four years has sparked a deep interest in Chicago history, but especially in how social and political forces shaped the city into what it is today. I aspire to do policy work in Chicago that positively impacts people, whether that means meeting basic needs or building up stronger foundations that create a wider impact.
I was drawn to this internship because labor history, especially in Chicago, is fascinating, as well as a policy interest of mine. Pullman is a site that has shaped not only labor history but also innovation and movement, the impacts of which can be seen nationwide. Through this summer internship, I hope to learn the stories of and from Pullman from both the past and present lenses.
What topic could you talk about for an hour without preparation?
I could talk about movies for an hour without preparation! Whether it be my favorite actors and directors, award show buzz, underrated indie films, or my various film hot takes.
I'm super excited to be at Pullman this summer!
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Meet Elizabeth, Development Intern
Hi, my name is Elizabeth. I’m currently a third-year student at the University of Chicago, studying political science and a second interdisciplinary major called Environment, Geography, and Urbanization (CEGU for short). In the future, I’m hoping to work in politics and work for better urban planning and design in cities across the country.
This summer, I’m hoping to gain experience working at a non-profit organization, working closely with organizational partners to advocate for Pullman National Historic Park, and learning about the history of the area.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outside of work, I can usually be found exploring Chicago, baking treats to share with friends, or watching sports (currently, I’m glued to my TV with the World Cup).
Visit Pullman this summer and catch our interns enjoying their favorite drink from the Pullman Club Coffee Shop throughout the national park.
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Historic Pullman Garden Walk - Art in the Garden
Saturday, June 27th / 10am-4pm
This year’s Garden Walk showcases art in our personal and public landscapes. Artists from Urban Sketchers Chicago will work en plein air throughout the tour in our public gardens. Tickets are $12 in advance at the link below or $15 at the door.
DETAILS
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First Sunday Walking Tour
Sunday, July 5th / 1pm-2:30pm
Join us for a journey through Pullman—a town that helped shape America on our monthly walking tour beginning at Pullman Exhibit Hall. Our guides bring these stories and more to life.
DETAILS
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A250 Reading of the Declaration
at Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center
Wednesday, July 8th / 5pm
In celebration of 250 years of the United States of America, the Pullman Civic Organization presents a reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026 at 5 pm at the Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center, 610 E. 111th St., Chicago.
DETAILS
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Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park
An Electric Centennial
Saturday & Sunday, July 25th-26th / 10am-4pm
Chicago's biggest rail-themed event features historic Pullman railcars, a STEAM activity fair, and a whole weekend of family fun to explore! Save big on Early Bird tickets available now.
DETAILS
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Want to be Part of Railroad Days This Year?
We're looking for volunteers to help make this year's event truly unforgettable — for the thousands of visitors, and for yourselves. It's a great way to spend a summer weekend: good people, a neighborhood that knows how to celebrate, and the satisfaction of showing up for Pullman when it counts. If you've volunteered before, you already know how special this is; if you haven't, this is absolutely the year to find out!
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As the official friends group for Pullman National Historical Park,
our mission is to preserve and protect its cultural heritage and amplify its uniquely American stories
for current and future generations.
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