Evening Rail History Talks at National Railroad Museum
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for adults and teens with basic mobility
Overview
Spend an engaging evening at the National Railroad Museum with lectures on locomotive tech and Army rail operations, perfect for history and rail enthusiasts.
History After Dark: Lecture Series
Ages 13+ • 1 Hour
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Join us for an engaging lecture series exploring the fascinating world of locomotives and Army rail operations. Led by experienced presenters, these sessions promise to unravel the complexities of rail history and technology, making for a memorable evening of education and entertainment at the Museum. Don't miss out!
Duration
1 hour
2025 Lecture Series Dates: Tuesday, March 4th - 6 PM Tuesday, June 17th - 6:30 PM Tuesday, September 9th - 6:30 PM Tuesday, November 4th - 6 PM
September 9th, 2025 – 6:30 PM Subject: Why Are There So Many Types of Locomotives?
Presented by Brian Buchanan. What’s with all the different sizes and different wheel arrangements? Does a bigger engine mean more power? What about steam vs. diesel? We will dig into these topics and more.
September 23rd, 2025 – 6:30 PM Subject: Army Rail with Jason Elm, CN
Join us for a special lecture program on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30 PM! Jason Elm, Engineer/Officer with Canadian National Railroad will be joining us to discuss a brief history of Army rail, but focusing primarily on current operations and capabilities including command structure, current operations, battalion capabilities, crew makeup and usage, current equipment, overseas operations, and civilian rail partnerships.
Presenter Info:
Brian Buchanan is a lifelong railroader who, in his retirement, wants to Educate, Engage, and Entertain people about his favorite topic – how railroads work – by using Museum artifacts to explain. With it being winter, and it being too cold for us to pump the railroad handcar up and down the track, he is looking forward to evenings (indoors) discussing and illustrating the railroad’s rich history.
Attendance is free for Museum members. Reservations are encouraged, but not required for this event.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early for Seating
Lecture seating can fill quickly; arriving early ensures you get a good spot near the presenter.
Parking Facilities
Free parking is available on-site with easy access to the Museum entrance.
Wear Comfortable Layers
Evenings can be cool indoors, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the lecture.
Bring Note-taking Supplies
If you want to absorb detailed facts and technical explanations, bring a notebook or device for notes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- White-tailed deer in nearby Bay Shore Wildlife Sanctuary
- Red-tailed hawks soaring over local parks
History
The National Railroad Museum preserves one of the nation's most significant collections of locomotives and rolling stock, highlighting rail’s critical role in America’s industrial and military history.
Conservation
The Museum practices sustainable energy measures and educates visitors on the environmental impact of rail transport historically and today.
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Adventure Hotspots in Green Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Notebook and Pen
To capture detailed insights during lectures.
Layered Clothing
Indoor temperatures can vary; layers keep you comfortable.
fall specific
Light Jacket
Useful for warmth traveling to and from the Museum.
winter specific
Camera or Smartphone
Ideal for snapping photos of the iconic locomotives surrounding the venue.