The Galveston Railroad Museum will initiate a speaker’s series, Legacy of the Railroad, March 26, 1 pm, at the Train Depot, 123 Rosenberg Avenue. The inaugural speaker, Velida Breakfield, will share her journey to become one of the few women to become an Amtrak Train Engineer.
Velida Breakfield is celebrating 33 years as an Amtrak employee. Rising from the ranks, she began her career as a Lead Service Attendant in the Café Car as a bartender. Over the next four years, she was promoted to Train Attendant, then on to Lead Service Attendant, landing as a Food Specialist- Chef Assistant. Continuing her career climb, her dedication and hard work earned her promotions over the next seven years as Assistant Passenger Conductor, then elevated to Conductor.
In the year 2000, Velida enrolled in Amtrak’s High Speed Rail Training Facility in Wilmington, Delaware, where she earned her license as a Locomotive Passenger Engineer and remains active today operating Amtrak passenger trains in Texas. When asked about her job as engineer she stated, “I love my job. I have a front row seat to America as we travel from destination to destination. I enjoy meeting people and working with an incredible company, Amtrak. I am experiencing an occupation in railroad that is fulfilling, engaging and exciting.”
The Galveston Railroad Museum is dedicated to the restoration, observation, and re-use of its historic facilities and equipment for the development of educational and interactive programs, which support railroading and transportation initiatives serving our regional community. The Museum is supported by membership, contributions, special events and admission.
Open daily, the Museum is located on 5 acres of railyard in the heart of the historic downtown district. Current exhibits include Rising from the Rails, the story of the Pullman Porter and their impact on American history.
Upcoming events include RailFest, a 2-day event featuring large train models, vendors, interactive activities, entertainment, rail car tours, and train rides. The Rail Baron’s Ball the Gilded Age will be Saturday, October 8, 2022.
Legacy of the Railroad, pg. 2
Velida Breakfield, Amtrak Engineer, will be inducted into The Legacy of the Railroad Oral History Program initiated by the Museum this year. The program is a documentation to preserve the rich history of the railroad for future generations. The next speaker will be George Lewis, retired Pullman Porter, who will speak on June 18.
The Galveston Railroad Museum is open 10 am – 5 pm daily. Admission is available online and at the door. Parking is complimentary at 2602 Santa Fe Place. For more information go to www.GalvestonRRMuseum.org or call (409) 765-5700.