The Center’s December Zoom program is an evening with the legendary James Ehernberger. During the past 65 years, Jim has authored (or co-authored) about 50 books and numerous magazine articles, especially for the Union Pacific Historical Society.
Jim began working for Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne, Wyoming, shortly after his sixteenth birthday. The following 35 years led to numerous jobs within the rail industry. With earnings from his first job, he purchased a Graflex camera from fellow railroader in 1953—a decision which Jim considers his wisest, as the camera was perfect for action train photography.
Initially following friend Richard Kindig’s railroad photography style, Jim began to find his own style and voice that deviated from standard action images. When Jim learned that small-town railroad stations were disappearing, he made a concerted effort to photograph as many as he could across a three-state area.
Join us for a lifetime of adventures through the photography of Jim Ehernberger. “There are precious few living photographers who caught the end of the steam era in the U.S.,” stated Center president and executive director, Scott Lothes. “It will be great to hear Jim’s take.” We couldn’t agree more—don’t miss Jim’s unforgettable stories and photography!
This program was recorded and is available at the Center’s YouTube page at @railphotoart
This program originally aired Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7:00 pm Central Time (8pm Eastern, 6pm Mountain, and 5pm Pacific)
About James Ehernberger
James L. Ehernberger was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1937, and moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1950. He was hired by Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne, shortly after his 16th birthday as a train crew caller, a position that worked the night shift and notified crewmen (without phones) their time to report for work. This position led to numerous jobs during the following thirty-five years. Due to a lack of a college education, Jim accepted a management buy-out option and retired in 1988. During his working years, by hard work and proving his ability, he worked as a private secretary to the Division Superintendent Train Dispatcher, and finally as Manager of Operating Rules and Regulations and Safety.
Having now been retired for 38 years, Jim has explored many foreign countries searching for steam power. Jim still resides in Cheyenne and remains busy with daily activities and train trips.
