Merci Train Exhibition

Available through September

This panel exhibit celebrates the friendship that began 250 years ago during the War for Independence and was reaffirmed during and after World War II. 

In 1949, the French freighter Magellan steamed into New York Harbor with "Merci, America" painted on its bow. The ship was carrying 49 railway cars filled with thousands of gifts donated by the people of France — a thank you for the food and agricultural supplies donated by American citizens to help rebuild Europe after World War II. 

The Friendship Train: A True Story of Helping and Healing after World War II by Debbie Levy is a children's book on the history. You can find it in the library's catalog.

The exhibit is made possible by The Questers of Arlington, a chapter of The Questers International, which is dedicated to keeping history alive through education and the preservation of meaningful events and places. Questers members work to honor and share the stories that have shaped our collective heritage.

Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel - Loudoun County Public Library Online Programs - for more programs.