STATEHOUSE CALENDAR

In 1976, the Freedom Train moved across America for the nation’s Bicentennial, carrying artifacts that told the story of 200 years of history. This exhibit brings the train’s journey to life with photographer Warren Motts’s powerful images and rare antiques—including an original side panel from the famous train itself!

Beginning its journey on April 1, 1975, the American Freedom Train set off in Wilmington, Delaware, crisscrossing the country and ending at Miami, Florida on December 31, 1976. The train, which was the dream of founder Ross Roland, was a mobile museum. Powered by steam locomotives, the half-mile long train carried artifacts spanning the 200-year history of America. It travelled by rail to many communities across the country, attracting 6.6 million visitors who were educated, entertained, and inspired by our nation’s history. The Chicago Tribune called it, “the greatest traveling show the country has ever seen.” The American Freedom Train carried 512 priceless items from coast to coast.

Traveling on the train for its 25,000-mile, 48 state, 2-year trip, was photographer Warren Motts of Groveport, Ohio. Warren had been hired as the photographer for the Official Commemorative Program, documenting the original artifacts loaned to the American Freedom Train, and photographing this once-in-a-lifetime historic event. Writing about his journey on the Freedom Train, Warren Motts stated: “Most of us who worked on the American Freedom Train, and millions more Americans who visited it in 1975-76, carry indelible images of pride in the country evoked by the experience.”

The artifacts and images in this exhibit come from the collections of the Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio. Another exhibit about the American Freedom Train can be seen at Motts Military Museum.  

Visit the Statehouse Museum Shop on the ground floor to purchase Warren Motts' book, Steaming into History: A Photographer's Journey on the American Freedom Train.  

For more information about other America 250-Ohio events and exhibits, go to the America 250-Ohio website.