The Maricopa Historical Society announced the Nov. 14 historic tour of Maricopa’s California Zephyr from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Amtrak station.

There will be a short presentation and dedication at 10 a.m. prior to a ribbon cutting opening the Zephyr car to the public.

In September, Boy Scout  Austin Long organized a thorough cleaning of the car as part of his Eagle Scout project. The cleaning included floors, paneling and windows on the inside.  A week later the group returned to polish the outside of the car.

Over 20 individuals, including local scouts, helped in the effort to maintain one of Maricopa’s most iconic sites.

The California Zephyr’s Silver Horizon dome car is located at the corner of State Route 347 and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.

The Silver Horizon was part of the famous California Zephyr domes and streamliners that charmed the American people for more than 20 years. The dome car was built for the California Zephyr passenger line, which operated from 1949 until 1970.

Before moving to Maricopa the car was used in a scene from the movie Pearl Harbor starring Ben Affleck,  which was released in 2001.

The car was moved to Maricopa in 2000 and used as a ticket office for the Amtrak station.  The ticket office was later moved to a larger space, but the Zephyr has remained as the landmark for Maricopa station.

Visitors can tour the lower coach and upper observation deck, as well as a display of artifacts from Maricopa’s rich history.

Featured at the event will be photographs from the City of Maricopa’s 2015 Shutter Shot contest, which shows 24 hours of snapshots of Maricopa on the day of the 12th anniversary of the city’s incorporation.

Maricopa Historical Society 2016 calendars and “Images of America: Maricopa” will be on sale.

The Maricopa Historical Society is dedicated to informing and inspiring all people to make history a part of their lives by presenting exhibits, programs and publications that bring  history alive; collecting materials that tell the story of the Maricopa area and its people; educating  people of all ages; and creating a sense of identity and community.

For more information, email [email protected].

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