James R. “Jim” Jones, a Burlington, Vermont native, has maintained a lifelong interest in railroading. His love for “underdog trains”—and communities they served—stems from childhood locomotive rides with his father, noted railroad author Robert C. Jones. Jim’s grandfather, Cecil O. Jones, began the family tradition in 1916, when he signed on with Canadian Pacific. Jim has authored three Colorado prairie railroad chronicles and eight local titles, assisted his father on several Vermont books and—to prove he doesn’t have a one-track mind—co-authored former ESPN and AWA wrestling personality Larry Nelson’s Stranglehold: An Intriguing Behind the Scenes Glimpse into the Private World of Professional Wrestling.
For thirteen years, from 1987 to 2000, Jim was a Denver-based major market and national network radio personality. His voice has been heard by millions worldwide. Jim’s rail-themed photos have appeared in many magazines and calendars. The advent of digital filmmaking led to his creation of forty highly-praised Ken Burns-inspired documentaries. Jim’s fun-filled performances provide a balance of information and entertainment. All aboard!
Travel radius: statewide
On August 4, 1929, the Queen City’s street car era went up in literal flames. More than 5,000 attendees witnessed the spectacle of an unforgettable farewell party that made headlines worldwide. Author and filmmaker Jim Jones shares Burlington’s public transportation story, beginning with a horse-drawn street railway in 1885, followed by a state-of-the-art electrified system just eight years later.
Experience with author and filmmaker Jim Jones the colorful ups and downs of Vermont’s famous “Island Line” railroad featuring four drawbridges, three causeways, breathtaking scenery, and fascinating anecdotes.
Our seasonal “Words in the Woods” program allows Vermonters and visitors to enjoy our state’s natural beauty while listening to and reading literature in the outdoors.
Humanities Camps are filled with reading and writing projects, field trips, and outdoor activities.
We won a 2020 Schwartz Prize for best public humanities programming in the U.S. for Vermont Reads 2019: “March: Book One.”
We supported the Chandler Center for the Arts’ Global Connections Youth Outreach program, which highlights artists from around the world.
Our free public events help bring the power of the humanities to communities across Vermont.
