George Pullman, born in Brocton, New York in 1831, revolutionized rail travel through the company he created, the Pullman Palace Car Company.

Guest speaker Andrew Bullen (shown above), resident of Pullman, Illinois and historian, has written extensively about George M. Pullman. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Bullen’s undertaken projects for the Pullman House History Project and the Historic Pullman Foundation in Chicago.

He shares that there are five core stories of Pullman – George and his family, the Company and its products, the town of Pullman, the people of Pullman, and labor and race issues. Employees of the Company were encouraged to live in the model industrial town of Pullman, now a Chicago neighborhood. His virtual lecture will encompass an overview of these topics, including the complex story of labor and race relations as seen through the lens of the company.

This previously recorded program is now available. It features a discussion about Mr. Pullman, the Western New York native who once worshiped at our Cobblestone Church, memorialized his parents through the Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion, and created a legacy that remains a part of America’s history.

Shown below with director Doug Farley (right) is David Mitchell who donated a rare example of George Pullman’s furniture making expertise with this 19th century Pullman couch, manufactured in Albion, NY.

Admission Pay-What-You-Wish on a sliding scale from $5-$20. Your donation benefits the Cobblestone Society & Museum and is greatly appreciated. A link for this recorded program will be forwarded within 24 hours of registration for viewing at your convenience.

Many thanks to our event sponsor: Richard Calabrese/Pullman Island