Welcome to Railroads is the area’s latest piece of public art has been installed at the Wilmington Railroad Museum. The work represents two of the enduring occupations of the industry – conductor and engineer.
Designed by local artist Anne Russell, the sculpture incorporates two specialized 900-pound rail pieces, known as “frogs,” as stand-up figures, topped by caps symbolic of their trade. Russell is a niece of one of the founders of the museum who sees the work as a tribute to the mission of the 39-year-old museum.
On June 24, 2018, there was a ceremonial unveiling of the sculpture, which was privately funded. Among the guests was Julia Emerson Tracy, granddaughter of Thomas Emerson, president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad from 1907 to 1913.
The art serves as a greeting to the museum’s 25,000 annual visitors and a reminder of Wilmington’s 125 years as a railroad headquarters town.
Designed by local artist Anne Russell, the sculpture incorporates two specialized 900-pound rail pieces, known as “frogs,” as stand-up figures, topped by caps symbolic of their trade. Russell is a niece of one of the founders of the museum who sees the work as a tribute to the mission of the 39-year-old museum.
On June 24, 2018, there was a ceremonial unveiling of the sculpture, which was privately funded. Among the guests was Julia Emerson Tracy, granddaughter of Thomas Emerson, president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad from 1907 to 1913.
The art serves as a greeting to the museum’s 25,000 annual visitors and a reminder of Wilmington’s 125 years as a railroad headquarters town.
Special thanks to Josh Stallings and Andy Steele for your hard work and commitment to bring this exhibit to life.