205. All Aboard: Discovering the Johnson City Railroad Experience

About the Guests:

Dr. Fred Alsop: An esteemed figure in ornithology and biology, Dr. Fred Alsop has dedicated decades to academia at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). After 48 years of full-time teaching, he remains active by directing the Johnson City Railroad Experience, a passion project combining his love for trains and education. His extensive background includes chairing ETSU's Department of Biology and authoring 18 books on birds.

Carson Sailor: With a background in museum management and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University, Carson Sailor transitioned from North Florida and Boone, North Carolina, to Johnson City, Tennessee. He is instrumental in building the Johnson City Railroad Experience into a dynamic hub for education and community engagement, leveraging his experience and passion for museums.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Colin Johnson's podcast, guests Dr. Fred Alsop and Carson Sailor discuss the vibrant development of the Johnson City Railroad Experience. Dr. Alsop, with his extensive background in biology and passion for trains, along with Carson, a seasoned museum manager, are dedicated to transforming this hub into a central pillar of both community and education in Johnson City, TN. This project aims to invigorate interest in railroads while also preserving and elaborating on the local history tied to these once vital lines of transport.

Delving into the intricacies of the Johnson City Railroad Experience, the guests reveal the meticulous thought behind its development, logos of an engaging community, and the potential promise Amtrak's advancements hold for cities like theirs. The conversation highlights key aspects of the experience, such as interactive exhibits, educational outreach efforts, and community events like "Track or Treat". Through their conversation, Alsop and Sailor illustrate the ways in which the railroad positively impacted Johnson City and continue to be an influential factor in its community growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Johnson City Railroad Experience offers an engaging exploration into the history and ongoing influence of railroads on local communities, enriched with interactive and educational exhibits.
• The railroad museum supports a deeper understanding of Johnson City's origins, showcasing its historical significance through the lens of railroad development.
• Key events such as "Track or Treat" and substantial museum displays like the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina railroad model bring the community together while educating visitors.
• Educational programs align with state standards and provide hands-on learning opportunities, emphasizing STEAM and humanities curriculum for field trips and school partnerships.
• The emerging support for Amtrak's expansion projects represents a significant shift in public transportation development with potential implications for Johnson City.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We wanted people to have a unique experience, so everything has been designed around the guest experience." - Carson Sailor
2. "We've literally filled up the space we have, which was about 5,000 square feet, and we are open to the public for five hours on Saturdays." - Dr. Fred Alsop
3. "The Johnson City Railroad Experience aims to tell the story of Johnson City through the lens of railroads." - Carson Sailor
4. "As an ornithologist, I haven't written any books on trains, but I have written 18 books on birds." - Dr. Fred Alsop
5. "This is a place where you can come and contribute and be a part of a really beautiful, involved community." - Carson Sailor

Resources:

• Johnson City Railroad Experience

Embark on an exploration of Johnson City’s past and emerging future through the dynamic contributions of the railroad with Dr. Alsop and Carson Sailor. Tune in for more enticing, history-driven conversations in future episodes of this podcast series.