In 1947, in a private gesture, the American people sent 700 railroad cars full of food and supplies to war-torn Europe to help relieve them of the ravishes from World War II. This effort, known as the “Friendship Train,” was graciously accepted by people in France and Italy. In response, the French people sent 49 boxcars to the United States—one for each state and the Territory of Hawaii—filled with various treasures as a show of gratitude for the liberation of France. This train became known as the "Merci Train," and each boxcar carried five tons of gifts donated by private citizens. Join us to learn what happened to the gifts and boxcars after they arrived in 1949. The class is taught by Brad Keyes, a collaborative instructor from Rock Valley College.