Railroading Merit Badge
The workshop will be held at the National Railroad Museum on November 1, 2025. Tickets will go on sale July 15, 2025
In 1952, the Boy Scouts of America introduced the Railroading Merit Badge, recognizing the essential role railroads play in shaping our nation. More than 70 years later, railroads continue to drive America forward—powering industries, supporting communities, and connecting us to the world.
As the American Association of Railroads puts it, “Freight railroads form the backbone of the thriving U.S. economy. Serving manufacturers, businesses, energy companies, and farmers, freight rail generates widespread economic activity. Billions of dollars in annual investments by railroads have a profound impact on various U.S. industries, creating high-paying jobs, supporting additional roles, connecting industries and consumers to the global market, and fostering local community growth.”
We invite you and your Scouts to join us at the National Railroad Museum to earn the Railroading Merit Badge and explore the fascinating history, technology, and lasting impact of railroads across the United States.
The National Railroad Museum is pleased to offer an annual Railroading Merit Badge Workshop. The 2025 workshop will be held on November 1st. Registraiton will open on July 15, 2025. For a look at how the 2025 workshop will go, please visit here!
More Information
Registration is 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. The closing ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m.
The Railroading Merit Badge Workshop is a one-day program that affords Scouts the opportunity to earn the merit badge by participating in six different activity stations. Each station deals with different requirements for the merit badge. The National Railroad Museum offers a wealth of resources for this program, including our historical exhibits and a team of instructors from both the Museum staff and professional railroad sources. Participants are encouraged to read the Railroading Merit Badge Book before attending the workshop.
Registration will not be available via phone or email. Participation will be limited to the first 300 Scouts and 100 adults. The Railroading Merit Badge Workshop is open to all Boy Scouts and adult leaders. Cub Scouts are welcome to participate – in which case, activities can be applied toward the completion of other awards but will not count for the Railroading Merit Badge. This is the only Railroading Merit Badge Workshop that is offered throughout the year.
In the spirit of Scouting, we ask your help by passing this information along to Scouts and adult leaders in your council. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. For more details, please contact Justin Lambrecht, education director, at (920) 437-7623 or jlambrecht@nationalrrmuseum.org.
Cost
$12 per person.
By visiting the National Railroad Museum (or participating in one of our Museum programs/events) you understand that you may be photographed, filmed, or videotaped, and you hereby give permission and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, or photo (collectively, “image”), without compensation, for broadcast, or exhibition in any medium, and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation. To learn more, or plan your visit, please visit this page.
Contact Us
Justin Lambrecht, Education Director: (920) 437-7623 or nrrmeducation@nationalrrmuseum.org
