See how trains, models, and history come together at free Nov. 19 event

Wheaton Park District

Trains have played a major role in how DuPage County was established and how it has evolved. And model trains have long been an integral part of how the DuPage County Historical Museum celebrates county history.

The museum has enjoyed a 57-year partnership with the DuPage Society of Model Engineers, a liaison that has allowed visitors to catch a 3-D glimpse of what trains mean to the area.

The model is loosely based on the county's landscape with a fanciful twist.

The Batmobile, Superman, and even a dinosaur bone excavation appear in the miniature depiction of the county.

Join in a celebration of that relationship and the DuPage Society of Model Engineers' history on Saturday, Nov. 19, when the museum presents "Trains, Models, and History."

The free program, open to the public, begins at 12:30 p.m. in the museum auditorium, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton.

The society's HO Gauge Model Railroad layout, covering more than 2,000 feet of track, will be running after the event during the society's traditional Train Saturday.

Train Saturdays are on every third and fifth Saturday of the month for the public to view and ask the group questions.

Museum visitors can operate the trains at other times via remote button outside the exhibit room.

The partnership was first created in 1965 when the group's president, Bill Stroner, approached the museum's director, Margaret Dunton, with the idea. DuPage Society of Model Engineers meets 8 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays to operate and maintain the exhibit. New members are welcome. Contact museum manager Michelle Podkowa with inquiries at mpodkowa@wheatonparks.org or come to the Nov. 19 event.

The "Trains, Models, and History" event on Nov. 19 is being held during National Railroad Month. The model trains will be operated for visitors to view after the event.

To register for this free event, visit dupagemuseum.org.