If you’re interested in learning more about the railroad, or just want to enjoy a good history lesson, head out to the Hamlet Depot on Sept. 28 for “DERAILED: A discussion of Hamlet’s train wrecks and modern railroad safety.”
Leading the discussion will be museum manager Miranda Chavis and Operation Lifesaver representative, John Daniels.
“We’re going to talk a little bit about Hamlet’s own history of train wrecks, then we’ll also get into modern safety of trains,” Chavis said. “Considering how many railroad tracks are coming in and out, it’s really relevant to our community.”
During the event, Chavis said she plans on discussing what she called one of the worst train wrecks in Richmond County — the derailment of July 27, 1911, in which a train traveling from Durham to Charlotte collided with a freight train, killing 11 and injuring 75.
“It’s just one of those interesting aspects,” Chavis said. “Most people don’t even realize how dangerous trains were — especially early ones.”
Also leading the discussion will be retired CSX employee John Daniels.
“I’m going to deal with personal safety as well as the overall things that the railroads have done in the last 30 years — with the different departments and what they’re doing and their roles in making their employees safer in their jobs,” Daniels said.
He added that he will also incorporate Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit organization providing public education programs to prevent collisions, injuries and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and highway-rail grade crossings, into his discussion.
The event is free and will begin at 6 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the Rotunda on the second floor of the Depot, located at 2 Main St. in Hamlet.
For more information, call 910-417-7791.
— Staff Writer Mallory Brown can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at mallorybrown@heartlandpublications.com.
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