The origin of the National Railroad Museum dates to 1956, when local individuals advanced the concept of a national museum dedicated to the American rail road history.
Two years later, a joint resolution of Congress recognized the Museum as the National Railroad Museum. Since then, the Museum has operated as a privately funded 501 (c) (3) educational organization with a mission to foster an understanding of railroading and its significance to American Life. What began as an effort to acquire a single steam locomotive for a city park has grown into one of the largest rail museums in the nation. It now serves over 75,000 visitors annually. Today, a professional staff of 12 and over 100 unpaid staff members welcome visitors from all over the world.
The National Railroad Museum is a proud member of the Brown County Federation of History Museums. More information about other member organizations, including the Brown County Historical Society, De Pere Historical Society, Green Bay & De Pere Antiquarian Society, Heritage Hill State Historical Park, Neville Public Museum of Brown County, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Area Research Center, and the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Museum, is available on their websites.