A day of nostalgia, art, history, and beauty is planned Friday, April 24, by the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association.
The organization is planning a day-trip full of art, trains and travel with a destination of the O. Winston Link Museum and the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Va.
Participants will travel by Greene Coach bus to the historic city, where their first stop will be the O. Winston Link Museum to be transported back in time to when cars were huge, gas was cheap, and above all, the steam train reigned.
The collection at the museum focuses on the photography of O. Winston Link in capturing the last days of steam operation on the Norfolk & Western Railway in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. While the steam engines are the common thread of the collection, the photographs capture more than just rail operation – they are vignettes into history and sociology as well as art and part of the history of photography.
During the 1950s, Link did not find much interest for his photographic work documenting an old technology, but interestingly, his high quality sound recordings of the steam trains did gain recognition. It was not until the 1980s that Link’s photography received recognition as works of art, and by the mid-1990s he was widely considered the premier photographer of steam railroading.
The museum is located in the historic Norfolk and Western Passenger Station, which was restored and refurbished by famed industrial designer, Raymond Loewy. Link was involved in the museum’s planning prior to his death in 2001. The museum opened in 2004.
After visiting the O. Winston Link Museum, the journey continues to the Taubman Museum of Art, located inside a building that is in itself an architectural work of art.
Participants will enjoy lunch at Norah’s Café at the museum and then explore the Taubman collection, which ranges from 17th century Florentine paintings to works of regional instrument makers.
This unique opportunity is open to everyone interested. Members of the Nathanial Greene Museum, the Greene County Heritage Trust and Main Street: Greeneville are particularly invited to join the tour.
Cost for the trip is $50 for individuals and $85 for couples. The cost includes all transportation, admission and tour fees. Lunch is not included.
Reservations are required. Please mail reservation and payment by April 10 to the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association, P.O. Box 5041, Tusculum College, Greeneville, TN 37743.
The Andrew Johnson Heritage Association works to not only promote a greater public awareness and understanding of Andrew Johnson’s life and times, but also to support the activities of the Museums of Tusculum College. The association is a primary supporter of the National History Day events for local students. For more information about the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association, please visit this site: http:// ajheritageassociation.googlepages.com/.