The Locke Boarding House Museum is staging a special Opening Reception on Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Docents will be on hand to welcome visitors and to answer questions. Bring your friends and family. Groups and organizations are welcome. Handicap accessible.

The Locke Boarding House Museum and Visitors Center is presenting two new exhibits which recognize the achievements of the Chinese workers who helped in the construction of a monumental project which changed the face of America – the Transcontinental Railroad.

Completed in 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad linked the east and west coast of the U.S. and shortened cross-country travel from three months to 7 days. Construction of the railway, particularly the western half which ran from Sacramento to Promontory Point, Utah, was back-breaking and dangerous work. The majority of the massive labor force used in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad were Chinese immigrants. Underpaid, discriminated against and alienated, these workers accomplished a feat never before seen in America. The project was a marvel of engineering and a testament to sheer will and determination.

The new exhibits are sponsored and presented the Locke Foundation, a California nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the historic and cultural heritage of the town of Locke.

The first exhibit, entitled The Chinese Helped Build The Railroad – The Railroad Helped Build America, is on loan from Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford University. The display consists of 60 interpretive panels honoring the contributions of Chinese railroad workers who completed the Transcontinental Railway.

The second exhibit, entitled Chinese and the Iron Road, consists of 8 large standing panels depicting the demands and tribulations endured by Chinese workers during construction of the railroad. These panels are on loan from the Chinese Historical Society of America.

Also displayed in the Locke Boarding House Museum exhibit are artifacts on loan from the California State Railroad Museum.

The entire second floor of the Museum is dedicated to the presentation of these fascinating and historic exhibits. Be sure to allow some extra time when visiting Locke. This new show is extensive. Your time will be well spent. Admission and parking are free.

Locke Boarding House Museum
(Immediate left when entering Locke)
13913 Main Street
Walnut Grove (Locke) 95690
Museum Hours:
Tues & Fri – Noon to 4:00 pm.
Sat & Sun – 11:00 to 3:00 pm
916-776-1661