Railroad photographer to speak at museum

John Gruber will present "Railroads and Photography: 150 Years of Great Images," accompanied by a photography exhibit at the Nevada State Railroad Museum Wednesday.

Gruber, who is 65 and has retired after spending 30 years in the News and Public Affairs office at the University of Wisconsin, is founder and president of the Center for Railroad Photography and Art in Madison, Wis.

Gruber said he got started in railroad photography around 1960 taking pictures for Trains magazine, which is published in Milwaukee, Wis.

"I enjoyed the railroad," he said. "I enjoyed photographing the railroad and the people working on it."

After Journalism school, Gruber said he found he enjoyed photography and the railroad and decided to specialize in that.

Today, he is doing some writing, editing a photography involving railroads and is headed for Carson City from Chicago this week through a program of the Center for Railroad Photography and Art.

Dan Thielen, curator of history at the museum said there will be more than 50 photographs from across the United States on exhibit, including the earliest railroad photographed.

"This exhibit transcends the world of railroading into the art world," Thielen said. "These photos have an emotional appeal that will reach everyone who looks at them."

The photography exhibit curated by Gruber, will be at the museum through Jan. 6, and will include some of his own railroad photographs.

"Artists and photographers over the years have produced a vast number of visual images which capture the importance and excitement of American railroading," Gruber said. "We believe that this cultural heritage should be preserved and shown to a wide range of people."

The Friends of the Nevada State Museum presents a free educational program the second Wednesday of each month.

Upcoming talks will cover railroad dining cars and a history of the Kimball Car and Carriage Company which provided rolling stock for the historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad.

What: "Railroads and Photography: 150 years of great images"

When: 7 p.m., Wednesday

Where: Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson Street

Information: Admission is free