As part of the Historic RailPark & Train Museum’s 100th Anniversary, we recently completed an important phase of our Oral History Project made possible through support from the Kentucky Oral History Commission.
Over the course of several days, we had the privilege of sitting down with individuals whose lives and stories are deeply connected to the L&N Depot. The interviews were hosted in partnership with Sublime Media Group, whose team worked alongside us throughout the process to help create a comfortable and professional setting for sharing these important stories. From memories of train travel and the Depot’s active years to stories of decline, restoration, and rebirth, each interview offered a unique and personal glimpse into the history of this landmark.
As someone who had the opportunity to sit in during the interviews, I was continually reminded that the story of the Depot is not just about a building or railcars. It is about people. It is about memories made here, careers that started here, families connected through travel, and a community that refused to let this historic place disappear.
Some interviews were emotional. Some were funny. Others revealed details and perspectives many of us had never heard before. Together, they paint a remarkable picture of how important the Depot has been to Bowling Green for generations.
One thing became very clear throughout the process: no two stories were the same. Every person brought a different perspective, and each interview added another piece to the puzzle of the Depot’s 100-year history.
We are incredibly thankful to everyone who agreed to share their memories and experiences with us. Their willingness to participate is helping preserve an important part of our community’s history for future generations.
At this stage, we have completed the collection of interviews and are now working through the next phase of the project to fulfill the requirements of our grant. This includes organizing, preparing, and preserving the interviews so they can become part of the historical record.
Looking ahead, we believe these interviews hold tremendous potential beyond the initial scope of the project. As additional grant opportunities become available, we hope to continue expanding the project and finding creative ways to share these stories with the community through future exhibits, programming, digital content, and other interpretive experiences.
The voices captured through this project are an important reminder that history is not only found in photographs and artifacts. It lives within the stories people carry with them.
And after listening to these interviews, one thing is certain: the story of the L&N Depot is far from over.
