Celebrate our railroad history

10 AM – 5 PM | FREE with your Railroad Festival pass or Museum admission

The Abilene Railroad Festival is hosted by the Abilene Preservation League in partnership with downtown venues.

Visitors to The Grace Museum can engage in railroad-related activities on our 3rd floor from 10am-5pm during the festival. You can also explore our featured history exhibition, Full Steam Ahead: The Texas & Pacific Railway to learn all about the construction and influence of the T&P Railway in Abilene.

Education Classroom Activities
With few lifestyle choices available to women at the turn of the century, the Fred Harvey Company provided a unique chance for women to leave home for a well paying and reputable job. Join us in the classroom to learn more about Harvey Girls and what it would be like to work at a Harvey House! We will provide costumes and a photo opportunity, a chance to learn the “Harvey Girl Cup Code,” and Abilene Railroad Festival themed buttons to wear.

History Gallery Activities – Hosted by The ACU Museum
Have you ever wondered what life was like for women riding the rails in the early 1900s? “Ladies on the Line” invites visitors to step back into the golden age of rail travel, when women journeyed in style and practicality. This living history presentation showcases the carefully chosen suitcases, satchels, and accessories that accompanied them on their adventures. From elegant hats to everyday necessities, this gallery pop-up reveals how travel reflected both fashion and independence in the early 20th century. Join us on Saturday to explore the stories of women on the move, charting new paths across the rails!