Teacher Workshop – Building the Transcontinental Railroad: The Chinese Experience

Celebrated as a technical marvel in its day, the first transcontinental railroad was constructed from 1863 to 1869, due largely to the contributions of Chinese workers who cut through the mountains and deserts of the American West. Thousands of men migrated from China to seek fortunes in the gold mines of California but, instead, mainly found work building the transcontinental railroads. They experienced racism, lower wages, and difficult working conditions. This workshop focuses on art and curriculum resources to incorporate this often overlooked history of Chinese laborers into the classroom.

THE WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
• Guided tour and discussion of the artworks and related history in “Zhi LIN: In Search of the Lost History of Chinese Migrants and the Transcontinental Railroads”
• Training to utilize Storypath Curriculum “The Transcontinental Railroad: The Chinese Experience from Golden Mountain to Golden Spike”
• Storypath curriculum unit provided, including teacher handbook and reproducible handouts.
• Lunch and beverages included
• 4 Clock Hours from PSESD