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World Premiere Documentary Screening: From Rails to Trails

Join us for an exclusive premiere screening of the compelling new documentary From Rails to Trails, narrated by Edward Norton.

From Rails to Trails documents the remarkable 60-year movement that has transformed thousands of miles of abandoned railroad corridors into vibrant public trails for cycling and walking across America. The documentary features interviews with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Tommy Thompson, Howard Dean, and other key figures in the movement's history.

Following the screening, we'll host a special talkback session with Executive Producer and Rails to Trails Conservancy Co-Founder Peter Harnik, President of the Conservancy Ryan Chao, and the film's Director, Dan Protess. Following the premiere screening and conversation, a book signing will take place where Peter Harnik will sign copies of his book, From Rails to Trails.

Register to attend and learn more about the documentary and book below.

About the Film

Today, the United States is home to more than 26,000 miles of rail-trails—multi-use public paths built on former railroad corridors. How this amazing network came about is a story of massive economic changes, breathtaking imagination, endless dedication, and tough political battles. Premiering October 15 on public television stations nationwide (check local listings) and streaming on PBS.org, the new documentary, From Rails to Trails, captures the 60-year struggle—and transformative triumph—of one of America’s most unlikely grassroots movements. From Rails to Trails is distributed by American Public Television.

From Rails to Trails premieres nationally on October 15 on Public Television and PBS.org. This special advance screening offers our community the opportunity to experience this important documentary before its official release.

About the Speakers

Dan Protess brings 30 years of experience as a producer and director, creating more than 100 hours of film and nonfiction TV productions that have appeared on PBS, NewsHour, Nightline, Apple TV, Prime Video, and at screenings across the country. His most recent film, In Their Hands, pulls back the curtain on the politics of parole through the story of one incarcerated man’s fight for freedom. Dan is also currently the executive producer of Firsthand, a social issue documentary series he created for WTTW Chicago in 2019. His other recent work includes the Emmy-winning weekly history series Chicago Stories, which he oversaw as executive producer through two seasons, and the national primetime series 10 that Changed America, which was seen by millions of Americans through its three-season run on PBS. Dan founded Protess Communications in 2022 to produce documentaries and long-form journalism about pressing social issues, and to help nonprofit and corporate clients build deeper connections with their stakeholders through thoughtful storytelling.

As both political organizer and historian, Peter Harnik is the nation’s leading interpreter and presenter of the rails-to-trails movement. Harnik co-founded both the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Washington-area Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail, and he has written two books on the topic. He is also co-founder of the Center for City Park Excellence at the Trust for Public Land and the author of two books on urban parks. Over 35 years, Harnik has personally visited, experienced and studied the creation of more than 200 rail-trails in 45 states.

Ryan Chao became president of RTC in January 2019, overseeing the organization’s national leadership in trail development, policy advocacy and movement building. He brings to his role a long history in community and economic development and a passion for connecting people to opportunity and the outdoors.

Ryan came to RTC after serving as vice president of civic sites and community change at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where he led significant neighborhood-transformation initiatives across the country, linking economic, educational and housing programs to strengthen families and communities. He also served as executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area-based Satellite Housing, where he led the development of affordable housing communities throughout Northern California and created innovative partnership models combining housing with comprehensive supportive services.

Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from the New York University Stern School of Business.

When he’s not leading the team at RTC, Ryan enjoys skiing and cycling on the trails with his wife and daughters.

About American Public Television

American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s more than 350 public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and nearly one-half of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, news and current affairs programs, dramas, how-to programs, children’s series and classic movies. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television's lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. More information at APTonline.org.

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