70 Years of Legacy in Motion
The National Railroad Museum was founded in 1956. Throughout the last 70 years, we have inspired lifelong learning by providing dynamic educational opportunities through the preservation of railroad objects, engaging exhibits, and innovative programs.
As we celebrate our 70th Anniversary, we honor our legacy and the rich heritage of America’s railroads while looking ahead to an exciting future. This milestone year will be filled with special events and programs, including
- A youth and adult Drumhead Design Competition
- A special photo exhibit showcasing seven decades of our history
- Family Celebration Days
- An exclusive anniversary magnet benefiting our mission
- A 70th Anniversary Celebration on July 18, 2026
- And more!
Join us as we celebrate 70 years of connecting generations through the power of railroading!
Youth & Adult Drumhead Competitions
Design a Drumhead, enter to win, and make history!
The winning design will be reproduced, displayed in the Museum, and the artist will receive a 12″ replica of their drumhead!
Submissions must be sent to nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org
In celebration of our 70th Anniversary, the National Railroad Museum invites artists of all ages to participate in our Drumhead Design Competition. This special contest honors the legacy of railroading and its connection to our local history and landscape.
Participants are encouraged to create an original drumhead design that reflects themes of regional history or railroad geography. The winning design will be reproduced, added to the Museum’s collection, and displayed at the National Railroad Museum. Winners will be selected by a panel from our Education and Collections departments and announced in the spring of 2026.
We are hosting two separate competitions: Youth Competition: Ages 15 and under, and the Adult Competition: Ages 16 and up
Each competition has its own submission information below! All submissions are due by May 1st, 2026.
How to Enter
All submissions must include:
• An original drumhead design created using one of our downloadable templates
• An Artist Statement (250 words or fewer) explaining your design choices and its historical significance
• A completed submission form, which includes required contact information and release forms
All materials are submitted online. We do not accept mailed entries. A step-by-step guide to submitting your design is available in the forms below.
For more submission details and to read our FAQs, please see the forms below! For any other questions, please get in touch with us at nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org
Adult Forms
Find all the information you need for the Adult Drumhead Competition! 16 years old or over. Please read all of the documents fully. Submissions must be sent to nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org. Questions? Email us at nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org
Youth Forms
Find all the information you need for the Youth Drumhead Competition! 15 years old and under. Submissions must be sent to nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org. Please read all of the documents fully. Questions? Email us at nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org
A Journey Through Time
Exploring the National Railroad’s history through photos
The Museum sure has changed a lot over the decades! As we celebrate 70 years of a legacy in motion, our anniversary photo exhibit invites you to step back in time and see how far we’ve come. From our earliest days in the mid-1950s, when a small group of passionate rail enthusiasts laid the foundation, to the vibrant, community-focused Museum we are today, these images trace the stories, milestones, and memories that shaped us.
Opening March 1, 2026, and on display throughout the year, this exhibit is a tribute to the people, the history, and the never-ending spirit of discovery that keeps the National Railroad Museum rolling forward.
Learn more about the Museum, or plan your visit, here! You can also check out our other popular exhibits like the Union Pacific “Big Boy,” the Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the GG1!
Family Days
May 2, July 11, August 22, and September 15
In honor of our 70th anniversary, we’re turning 2026 into a year of family fun with three special Family Days!
On May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., kids receive free Museum admission and free train rides! An adult must accompany children. Adults must still purchase admission and the train ride. No more than 5 children per adult.
On July 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all train rides are free with the purchase of admission into the Museum!
On August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., we are reducing our admission for everyone to $10!
On September 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., all guests 62 years and older will receive free admission to the Museum! Tours will also be available throughout the day for a small cost. At 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., there will be a special behind-the-scenes tour led by our Education Director!
Each Family Day is our way of saying thank you to the families who have been part of our story, whether you’ve been visiting for years or are just beginning your journey with us. Come explore, make memories, and celebrate 70 years of a legacy in motion!
Please note: on May 2, all adults will need to purchase admissions and a ticket to ride the train. No unaccompanied children on the train. On July 11, train rides will be free to everyone, but admission is still required. On August 22, train rides are not included in admissions. They can be added for an extra $5 per person.
Do you always want free train rides and free admission? Check out all the benefits of becoming a member here!
Magnets for a Mission!
Support our mission with a limited edition 70th anniversary magnet!
Your support means inspiring innovation in education, preserving railroad history, and carrying the railroad legacy forward! These special, limited-edition 70th anniversary magnets are available for purchase in our Museum Store.
When you purchase one of these limited edition magnets, you will receive a coupon for 10% off one item in the store, good through the end of 2026!
