May 31, 2006	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Museum Director
For Immediate Release		(253) 288-7437

WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM PRESENTS

RAILROAD LECTURE AND BOOKSIGNING

The White River Valley Museum in Auburn, Wash. will join the Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association on Monday, June 26 for an evening lecture and book signing event that highlights the illustrious history of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Author M. John Lubetkin will make a stop in Auburn as part of a cross-country book tour to share his intriguing new book Jay Cooke’s Gamble: The Northern Pacific Railroad, The Sioux, and the Panic of 1873. His fascinating narrative examines the motivations and mishaps of this powerful 19th century American financier, and recounts the social and political impact that unfolded in his attempt to develop the first northern transcontinental railroad. Lubetkin details Jay Cooke’s crucial role in the development of the Northern Pacific line and also in the founding of Yellowstone National Park. From Sitting Bull and the 7th Calvary to congressional scandals, this book presents an extraordinary slice of early American history, and proves there is still much to uncover about the settlement of the North American frontier and the railroads that bridged it.

The Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association (NPRHA) is donating 160 copies of Lubetkin’s book to public libraries, historic societies and railroad museums in states originally served by the Northern Pacific Railroad. Copies of the book are being donated to the Auburn Public Library and can also be purchased directly through the White River Valley Museum. A public book signing will immediately follow this lecture.

An open house at the White River Valley Museum will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at the Auburn Senior Center next door from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission for this event is $4 for children and seniors, $5 for adults. This event is free to Museum Life Members and those at the $100 Engineer membership level or above. For more information, call 253-288-7433.