Lecture: The Train Wreck that Changed Time

Francine Jackson, Ladd Observatory

“In August of 1853, two trains collided in Central Falls, Rhode Island. This incident not only was the first of its kind ever to be photographed, but it also became the impetus for the complete restructuring of time.”

Francine Jackson is the Staff Astronomer for Ladd Observatory, and writes weekly notes on astronomy topics for the facility. She also does programs for the URI Planetarium. In addition, she is secretary/publicist for the Blackstone Valley Historical Society, which created a pictorial exhibit on the incident marking its 150th anniversary in 2013.