A rendering of an expansion project at the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, November 2023. (Image courtesy of National Railroad Museum)
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — All aboard! The National Railroad Museum is kicking off the public phase of its capital campaign to fund its facility expansion project.
An event held Wednesday at Lambeau Field included remarks by Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, who serves as the honorary campaign spokesperson of the museum’s Fox River Expansion.
Officials said thanks to the generosity of donors and a $7 million grant from the State of Wisconsin, the museum has already raised 86% of its $15 million fundraising goal.
“To the extent you can help us, even with a small donation, we’ll be very grateful for that,” said National Railroad Museum President David Ward. “We still need to raise $2 million but we’ve come a long, long way.”
The Fox River Expansion’s main exhibit gallery will give visitors a chance to explore four tracks of rolling stock and small exhibits. Families can also take part in educational programs and other events both during the day and in the evening hours.
A mezzanine overlooking the lower level will feature breathtaking views of the Fox River and the exhibits below, as well as provide space for guests to explore some of the 150,000 artifacts in the Museum’s collection.
The addition would also expand the exhibit space and tie the museum into the riverfront, with a wall of windows leading to an outdoor patio.
More than $100,000 people from all 50 states and more than 40 countries visit the National Railroad Museum every year. That includes more than 12,000 school children for different educational programs.
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