Alstom, successor to Pullman’s storied rail manufacturing legacy, will serve as Official Presenting Sponsor of Pullman Railroad Days 2026 – connecting the park’s historic roots to the future of rail innovation.
CHICAGO, IL — The Friends of Pullman National Historical Park today announced that Alstom will serve as the Official Presenting Sponsor of Pullman Railroad Days, July 25–26, 2026 at Pullman National Historical Park. The event is expected to draw rail enthusiasts, historians, families, and visitors from across the nation.
Alstom, successor to Pullman’s rail manufacturing legacy, is a global leader in rail transportation and electrification technology.
“Alstom is a natural partner in the stewardship of Pullman National Historical Park,” said Peggy Parfenoff, Executive Director of the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park. “This partnership connects Pullman’s historic legacy with the future of rail innovation and helps us continue building a world-class destination that celebrates transportation history and community.”
This year’s Railroad Days celebration honors the 100th anniversary of the electrification of the Illinois Central Railroad Suburban Service in Chicago –Metra Electric today – and will showcase how this service changed the face of Chicagoland. Featured for display and tour will be the original 1926 Pullman-built electrified commuter cars that inaugurated this “modern” service and became the model lightweight commuter cars for the nation. The event will also include, tours of the national park and historic neighborhood, family-friendly activities, a STEAM Fair and programming on the legacy and future of rail innovation.
“Pullman helped shape the history of rail transportation in America, and Alstom is proud to help carry that legacy into the future,” said Dani Simons, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Alstom Americas. “As a global leader in sustainable mobility and rail innovation, we are honored to support Pullman Railroad Days and help celebrate the workers, ingenuity, and technological advancements that continue to inspire the next generation of transportation.”
The Friends of Pullman National Historical Park is the official non-profit philanthropic partner of the National Park Service at Pullman. Its mission is to preserve and protect the cultural heritage at Pullman National Historical Park and to provide support for the park so people can experience its uniquely American stories for many years to come. Railroad Days is the organization’s largest annual event featuring rail-themed history and attractions. More information and tickets may be found at https://friendsofpullman.com.
As a leading rolling stock and rail services provider in the U.S., Alstom has delivered more than 12,000 new or renovated vehicles for domestic rail agencies including those in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New Jersey. Alstom is the number one private rail operator in the country, serving more than 10 rail and airport customers and moving millions of passengers daily.
ALSTOM™ is a protected trademark of the Alstom Group.
###
About Friends of Pullman National Historical Park
Friends of Pullman National Historical Park is the official philanthropic partner for Pullman National Historical Park. Its mission is to preserve and protect the cultural heritage at Pullman National Historical Park and to amplify its uniquely American stories for current and future generations. For more information visit: http://friendsofpullman.com
