This nine minute documentary featuring photography and audio will give you a glimpse into the operations of the New Hope Valley Railway.  Images from this project are on display as part of The Stories Around Us exhibition in the University Gallery at The Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.  See the exhibition page for more information.

Click here to view the documentary in Windows Media format.

If you have trouble with the above link, right click on the link and choose "Save As...", then run the file locally.

Like many things in life, this project grew organically from a conversation with a friend.  Bob Crowley had been appointed as Marketing Manager for the New Hope Valley Railway around the same time I spent time with the Master Photographer Jay Stock.  Jay had emphasized the intrinsic value of documenting who people are by creating story telling portfolios, and Bob had given me insight into the people behind the railroad.  The two concepts collided with cosmic force, and in the early spring of 2004 I showed up with camera in hand at the New Hope Valley Railway.

I remember going out with the track crew that first day and marveling at the efforts of these men.  This was work, hard work, and they were here doing it for the love of the railroad.  My motivation for this project soon changed from simply wanting to create unique images to wanting to assume the important responsibility of documenting these people and their efforts.

What unfolded in front of my camera over the coming months was an amazing combination of history being preserved, relived, and even made.  I watched spikes being driven by hand, locomotives being lifted, track being straightened, and thousands of visitors riding a piece of history.  I learned with fascination about the locomotives, railcars, and maintenance equipment used to run a railroad.  But even more precious to me are the friendships formed with these genuine people who believe in the value of keeping this railroad alive.  I’ve been told many times that before the project is over I will be made a railfan.  Whether true or not is open to debate, but at this point I can definitely say I’m a fan of the people who make up this railway.

I hope you enjoy the images and encourage you to come ride the New Hope Valley Railway.