From Rails to Trails is a powerful new documentary tracing the 60-year fight to transform abandoned railroads into public trails. What began as a grassroots dream has become a national movement: today, the U.S. boasts more than 26,000 miles of multi-use paths where trains once ran.
Narrated by Edward Norton, the film uncovers the legal battles, political clashes, and community triumphs that shaped the rails-to-trails revolution—from small-town showdowns to landmark Supreme Court cases. Along the way, it highlights the visionaries and everyday citizens who turned forgotten railways into vibrant spaces for walking, biking, and recreation.
Directed and produced by Dan Protess and executive produced by Peter Harnik, the documentary features interviews with Pete Buttigieg, Tommy Thompson, and Howard Dean.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get a sneak preview of From Rails to Trails in advance of its public television premiere, and get a behind-the-scenes look from the film’s Director and Executive Producer.
Tuesday, October 14th at 5:30pm
Join us for a pre-show reception! The Modern Theatre lobby will open and the pre-show reception will begin at 4:30pm. Refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.
Suffolk University's Modern Theatre
525 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
Admission is FREE. Tickets are required. This event is open to the public.
Walk-up tickets will be available to reserve at the Modern Theatre box office day-of, subject to availability. The Modern Theatre box office will open at 4:30pm on Tuesday, October 14th, one hour before the event's scheduled start time.
If you have any questions or if you need assistance purchasing tickets, please email
boxoffice@suffolk.edu .
Please see below for important information to note before your event:
SEATING: This event has General Admission seating. All seats are first-come, first-served.
ARRIVAL: The Modern Theatre lobby will open and the reception will begin at 4:30pm, one hour before the event's start time. The lobby will be locked and closed to the public prior to 4:30pm.
All unclaimed tickets will be released to the waitlist at 5:20pm, ten minutes before the event's start time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the event's start time and check in at the box office to avoid losing your tickets to the waitlist.
RUNNING LATE? Late seating will be permitted during appropriate breaks in the performance, at the Front of House Manager’s discretion. Please arrive on time, at least 15 minutes before your event's start time.
ACCESSIBILITY: We value inclusion and access for all participants and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for all events. Please email boxoffice@suffolk.edu to make a reasonable accommodation request.
The Modern Theatre is wheelchair and mobility aid accessible.
ADA and companion seating is available for all events.
The Modern Theatre has an ADA accessible and gender neutral restroom.
CONTACT US: Please email boxoffice@suffolk.edu if you have any questions or need assistance reserving tickets.