The Friends of Historic Meridian will host a speaker series at the Village Chapel (5151 Marsh Road, Okemos) on Wednesday, February 26, at 7:00 pm. 

Guest speaker Bill Struck of the Steam Railroading Institute will present on the Pere Marquette 1225, one of the largest steam locomotives ever to operate in Michigan. This locomotive is rightly referred to as "The Spartan Locomotive" and "The Real Polar Express," following its role in the book and film "The Polar Express." Today, the Pere Marquette 1225 is owned, maintained, and operated by the Steam Railroading Institute, located in Owosso, Michigan. 

For more information, contact the Meridian Historical Village at 517.347.7300.