A new exhibition opening at the Sheldon Museum of Art coincides with the publication of Will Thomas’ new book “The Iron Way: The Civil War, Railroads and the Making of Modern America” and a national symposium on the year 1862 hosted by UNL.

The exhibit, “Railroads and the Making of Modern America,” opens Jan. 20 and features 50 works from the Sheldon’s permanent collection and local loans. “Railroads” examines the ways artists captured and shaped modern ideas and practices made possible by the railroad, emphasizing the broader cross-border movements and their global consequences. It will also include a miniature, operating railroad from the private collection of James Seacrest.
Thomas, a professor of history at UNL, organized the exhibition.

The exhibition will be on display through May 20.

Admission to the Sheldon Museum of Art is free. Museum hours are Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information go to www.sheldonartmuseum.org.