In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad, the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society will host a dinner and program at the Cross Point Church, Highway 180 East, in Silver City, on Saturday, May 4. Doors will open at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a guest lecture.

The featured speaker will be Mr. Prince McKenzie, currently the Executive Director of the El Paso Railroad and Transportation Museum. His talk will concentrate on “The Second Transcontinental Railroad: Opening the Southwest, and Closing the Frontier”, and will explain how El Paso came to be the most important rail hub in the Southwest.

Mr. McKenzie, an Army veteran, served as an analyst and adviser to South Vietnam’s Army, and was promoted to the rank of Captain. He holds a B.A. in history from UTEP, and has done graduate work in Art History and Photography. He has an extensive background in archaeological and historic museum work, and is recognized throughout the Southwest for his expertise and efforts in preserving history in the El Paso area.

Anyone wishing to attend should make dinner reservations by contacting Dr. John Bell at 575-574-2573, no later than Thursday, May 2. For more information on the program, or the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, contact Dr. Doug Dinwiddie at 575-388-4862.