Folsom’s Railroad Legacy Celebrating the Route That Built a Region
Folsom, Calif. – Join the City of Folsom and its partners in celebrating two historic milestones that helped shape Folsom, the Sacramento region, and California’s future.
In 1856, the completion of the Sacramento Valley Railroad connected Sacramento to Folsom, transforming commerce and mobility across the region. On March 4-200 years to the day of his birth-we also recognize Theodore Judah, chief engineer of the Sacramento Valley Railroad and visionary planner of Folsom’s original townsite, whose legacy continues to influence the city today.
To commemorate these anniversaries, the City of Folsom invites the community to celebrate and learn more about the area’s rich railroad history.
Event Details
Wednesday, March 4
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Historic Folsom Station Plaza – Railroad Turntable, 905 Leidesdorff Street
Parking available in the Historic District Garage
Event Highlights
- Talks from local historians and special guests.
- Railroad turntable demonstrations and displays.
- Educational exhibits, historic artifacts, and hands-on activities.
- Period costumes and themed photo opportunities.
- Free admission to the Historical Outdoor Museum “The Square” and the Folsom Railroad Museum.
Schedule - 10:15 a.m. – Turntable Demonstration
- 11 a.m. – Sacramento Valley Railroad, presented by Historian Paul Helman
- 12 p.m. – Theodore Judah, presented by Historian Chuck Spinks
- 12:45 p.m. – Birthday Cake for Theodore Judah (near the turntable)
- 1 p.m. – Storytime with the Folsom Public Library at The Square
- 1 p.m. – Anna Judah, presented by Historian Christine Pifer-Foote
Event Speaker Bios
Paul Helman
Paul Helman holds a degree in chemical engineering and spent 32 years working for the Procter & Gamble Company in a variety of technical roles. He has been a volunteer docent at the California State Railroad Museum since 2002 and has logged more than 17,500 hours leading tours and bringing railroad history to life. His work includes popular programs such as “The Polar Express.” Paul is also a qualified signal system maintainer for the museum’s excursion railroad.
Chuck Spinks
Chuck Spinks holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering and spent 40+ years planning and designing hydroelectric projects, water and recycled water systems, pump stations, and more. He volunteers for numerous organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Placer-Sierra Railroad Heritage Society. He is a docent at the California State Railroad Museum and Director of the Auburn Veterans Day Parade.
Christine Pifer-Foote
Christine Pifer-Foote is a retired teacher with advanced degrees in education and divinity. For the past five years, she has researched Anna Pierce Judah, with a particular focus on Anna’s lost art. Christine served as the volunteer curator and author of the 12-panel exhibit currently on display at the California State Railroad Museum, “Painting a Legacy: The Search for Anna Judah.” She is currently writing a biography of Anna Judah.
