On August 21, 2018, I spoke at the Department of Arkansas Heritage about my research on the Rock Island Railroad, and a project underway to move and save from demolition the railroad’s 100-year-old depot in Perry, Arkansas. Also present was Buford Suffridge, president of the Perry County Historical and Genealogical Society, which has been overseeing the preservation effort. I invited him to the podium to share his thoughts about the project which seemed like such a long shot a year ago when we first discussed the idea.
I also included a slide show, mostly of photos featured in my book Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas, which was released in 2017. I also featured a few recent photos of the depot that we’re hoping to preserve. Thanks to the Department of Arkansas Heritage for inviting me to speak as part of its Pen to Podium lecture series.
Director of Public Affairs at Arkansas PBS, 36-year broadcasting veteran, photographer, interested in radio, TV and railroad history, author and host of the book and podcast series Rock Island Railroad in Arkansas.
