Seventy years ago, a single night forever changed the story of one of America’s most legendary steam locomotives.
On January 23, 1956, Norfolk & Western No. 611 was involved in a tragic wreck that left a lasting mark on the locomotive, the railroad, and the people who served her. This pivotal moment (often remembered but rarely explored in depth) stands as one of the most sobering chapters in her history.
On January 24, 2025, the Virginia Museum of Transportation invites you to join us for a powerful evening of remembrance, history, and reflection inside the museum’s Auto Gallery.
This special program will feature an in-depth presentation and discussion examining the events leading up to the wreck, the aftermath, and its long-term impact. Attendees will also hear a special 2025 project announcement, revealed publicly for the first time during this event.
For this night only, a special display related to the 1956 wreck will be on display offering rare insight into the famed story of No. 611.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that welcomes and celebrates the unique backgrounds, abilities, passions, and perspectives of our vibrant community. As our region’s only destination marketing organization, we have a responsibility to showcase the best the Roanoke Region has to offer, and those assets and strengths come in varied forms. We embrace differences in race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, language, visible and invisible disabilities, and all the intersecting identities that make Virginians and visitors alike so unique. We believe our differences make us stronger– and better.
