Year: 2026

  • Collection Tracking: Madison, Wisconsin, with John Gruber

    Madison, Wisconsin, might be the only place in the world where two railroad lines cross at grade on causeways in the middle of a lake. The Badger State’s capital city is also home to the Center for Railroad Photography & Art’s offices and archives, and that’s because of John Gruber, our principal founder. Gruber (1936-2018)…

  • David Kahler, 1937-2026

    All of us at the Center for Railroad Photography & Art mourn the passing of David Kahler, who died in May 2026 at the age of 89. He was our longest-serving board member and a visionary photographer who reminded us to pay attention to the inherent art of everyday places.  David practiced architecture for more…

  • David Plowden, 1932-2026

    We’re deeply saddened to report the passing of David Plowden, one of the giants in American photography and a friend of the CRP&A from its founding. Plowden passed away on May 4th, at age 93; memorial service plans have yet to be determined. “Getting to know David over the years ranks awfully close to the…

  • Zoom program: Four decades of Northeast rail photography with Ken Karlewicz

    Thanks to the nearly 150 who joined us Tuesday, May 12, for “Lure of the Rails,” an evening with Northeast photographer Ken Karlewicz. Ken developed an early appreciation for photography after receiving a Brownie Hawkeye camera from his father at age nine. His fascination with railroads began early as well, inspired by countless visits to…

  • Introducing our new site

    Our newly overhauled website was a two-month project that we’ve been wanting to do for the past five years. Staff members Jordan Craig and Scott Lothes will take you behind the scenes in their next blog post; in the meantime, here are some of the basics about the new site. E-commerce changes We now use…