Sierra Speaker Series: The ‘Rail’ Housewives of the Central Pacific

In partnership with California State Parks and the Nevada County Library, the monthly Sierra Speaker Series connects folks to the rich cultural and natural history of the area. Join us at Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center to learn and engage! Doors open at 5 pm, and the presentation is to follow at 5:30 pm. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. Light refreshments and wine sponsored by Highway 12 Winery will be available. No registration required.

We often hear about the men who built the Central Pacific Railroad, but what about the women who stood beside them? Jane Stanford, Elizabeth Huntington, Mary Hopkins, Mary Crocker, Margaret Crocker, and Anna Judah were more than just the wives of railroad titans—they were strong, capable women who shaped history in their own right. Far beyond managing their households, they led lives of significance and influence, making their mark in ways that deserve recognition. It’s time to uncover the untold stories of these remarkable “rail” housewives of the Central Pacific and celebrate their enduring impact.

Debbie Hollingsworth holds a master’s degree in public history and serves as the head researcher and exhibit writer at the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Over the past nine years, she has crafted engaging exhibits that explore key moments in Transcontinental Railroad history, including the contributions of Chinese railroad workers, the significance of the Golden Spike Ceremony, and the story behind the Commissioners’ Car. Passionate about bringing overlooked stories to light, Debbie’s favorite research topics revolve around the contributions of women in railroad history.