ASHWAUBENON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
History After Dark: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Hour at the National Railroad Museum
A tightly timed, after‑hours walkthrough of the museum’s archives and restoration shop that reveals how exhibits are researched, preserved, and returned to the floor—this guide lays out what to expect and how to prepare.
History After Dark: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Hour at the National Railroad Museum.
Experience the National Railroad Museum like never before on a focused, one‑hour behind‑the‑scenes tour that moves beyond public galleries into the workspaces where railroad stories are researched, conserved and restored.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Inside the Restoration Shop
Visitors step into an active restoration shop to see hands‑on conservation and mechanical work that prepares locomotives and artifacts for display.
Primary Sources and Archives
The tour includes a visit to the museum archives, where original documents, plans and research materials reveal the backstory of exhibits.
Backstage Access to Museum Operations
This exclusive program goes beyond public spaces to show the logistical and curatorial work that precedes each exhibit opening.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
Over the course of sixty minutes, the guide leads a small group from the public portions of the museum into staff areas, pausing in the archives and inside the working restoration shop to explain the research, conservation and hands‑on work that underpins each exhibit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hour fits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The program runs for one hour.
The tour is presented by the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon; meet at the museum for the program.
Closed‑toe shoes are required; expect considerable walking and stair climbing so wear comfortable footwear.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The behind‑the‑scenes tour lasts one hour.
Who runs this program?
The tour is operated by the National Railroad Museum.
Is there an age requirement?
Participants must be aged 13 or older.
Are there physical requirements?
Yes—expect considerable walking and stair climbing; the tour enters a working shop facility.
What should I wear?
Closed‑toe shoes are required for entry into the restoration shop; comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and stairs.
When are these behind‑the‑scenes tours offered in 2025?
Selected evening dates in 2025 include March 11, May 20, August 12 and October 14, with programs presented by the museum’s Director of Education.