Field trips are a wonderful way to supplement lessons by providing students hands-on opportunities in an exciting and thought provoking environment. The National Railroad Museum continually develops educational programs, including lectures series, tours, and standards based school and outreach programs, to meet the needs of students, teachers, and adult learners—many of which may be tailored to the group’s needs. Feel free to contact the Director of Education for any questions regarding on-site programs. Our current offerings are below.
A Day in the Life
Guided by educators, students will have the opportunity to learn about the history of our country, state and region during the Civil War period. Covering a wide range of material that fulfills many of the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards, this one day program will offer a series of fun educational activities. Topics include communications, the military, westward expansion, surveying, a soldier's return home, and more.
Grades: 3 - 8
April 27 - 29, 2010; Programming begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.
$6.00 per child
General Tours, all ages
Students of all ages have the opportunity to explore railroad and American history through guided and self-guided tours of the Museum. Guided fifty minute tours include a person tour with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Students will have the opportunity to interact with docents who teach about the history of early railroading and passenger service. Guides will also interpret the history surrounding some of our beautifully restored train cars and engines as students have the chance to explore their interiors. A film about the Union Pacific 4017, “Big Boy” engine or a train safety film will accompany the tour. During May through September, students will also receive a ride on one of three engines around the Museum’s grounds as they are introduced to fun railroad history.
Learning Locomotive, 3 – 7 year old program
Learning Locomotive is an interactive program aimed toward pre-school and early grade school children to educate them about railroads and railroad safety. This one to two hour-long program includes two short stories featuring trains, discussion about the different types of trains and train cars as well as their purpose, and a a short cartoon about railroad safety. All portions of the program are punctuated with hands-on models and activities that will allow the child to role play, touch, and interact with their parents and caretakers. Between May and September this program may be paired with a train ride.
Ages: 3 - 7 years
Program may be scheduled thoughout the year. 8:30 a.m, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. time slots available. Please allow 90 - 120 minutes depending on train ride availablity.
$6.00 per child
The Oral History Project
Engage your students with this three-session program that teaches railroad history through the oral histories of past railroad workers. The first two sessions are taught in the classroom by the teacher with readings, discussion and the creation of oral interview questions by groups of students. The third session takes place at the National Railroad Museum where students have the opportunity to tour, interview a railroad worker using their questions, and then discuss their findings. This is a terrific program meant to teach students basic historical research and analytical skills.
Teachers will recieve lesson plans, worksheets, and a loan of reading materials for two one-hour sessions. while the first two sessions are meant to be taught by the teacher, the Museum educator may also assist on request.
Grades: 5 - 10
Offered: September - April. The third session is planned for two hours and may be scheduled from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Cost: $180.00 for all three sessions
A $50.00 refundable deposit must be made for the use of the reading materials.
Pullman Porters: From Service to Civil Rights Tour and Program
Take an in-depth, guided tour of the new exhibit, Pullman Porters: From Service to Civil Rights, followed by engaging discussion and age-appropriate activities. Students will delve into the history of passenger train travel while discovering the role that porters played in the civil and labor rights movements as well as the other American events in the 20th century.
Programming available for three age groups:
Grades 2 -4, 5 - 8, and highschool
Offered Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
$6.00 per child
Lecture Series and Special Events
Lecture Series and Special Events, held on weekends and evenings, are another way to introduce students to the American and railroad history. These engaging programs allow students and their families to delve into specific topics through programs that feature music, oral history, lecture, food, movies, and more. The topics are ever changing and can always be found on our events calendar.
Scheduling and payment
Scheduling and payment for field trips may be arranged through the Director of Education at (920) 437 – 7623 x 24 or at jdfrank@nationalrrmuseum.org.
Highlights Tour -- Schools
$3.50 per student (Ages 1 - 4)
$5.00 per student (Grades k - 8)
$7.50 per student (Grades 9 - 12, College)
One chaperon per ten students may attend free of charge.
Learning Locomotive
(8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 a.m., Monday - Friday)
$6.00 per student
Adult Tours
$7.50 per person