Traqueros: Mexican Trackworkers and the American Railroad Reception

The Colorado Railroad Museum is proud to have debuted the all-new exhibit "Traqueros: Mexican Trackworkers and the American Railroad" this past October. The Museum is thrilled to celebrate the re-launch of this exhibit with interactive digital enhancements, made possible by a generous grant from the Anschutz Foundation.

For decades, Mexican and Mexican American trackworkers—known as Traqueros—played a vital yet largely unrecognized role in building and maintaining America's railroads. Their labor shaped communities, connected regions, and helped keep our country moving. The Bracero Program, which followed during World War II, continued this tradition of Mexican railroad laborers working in the United States.

The exhibit, "Traqueros: Mexican Trackworkers and the American Railroad," is housed in the Museum Depot's Lower Gallery and showcases photographs, stories, and artifacts that bring these experiences to life. This exhibit is part of the Museum's 2026 commemorative programming in support of Colorado's 150th and America's 250th anniversaries.

This evening will feature remarks from curator Jasmine Robertson, as well as curator-led tours of the exhibit. Jasmine will share insights into the lives, work, and resilience of Traqueros, offering guests a deeper understanding of their daily experiences, the challenges they faced, and the vital role they played in keeping America's railroads running.

The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Museum Pavilion, with complimentary beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers, plus a signature cocktail inspired by the exhibit. Attendees will also enjoy the chance to mingle with members of the Colorado Railroad Museum community and explore the ""Traqueros"" exhibit up close. A formal program will begin around 6:15 p.m. and conclude at approximately 7:00 p.m. This should leave plenty of time before and after for guests to greet Museum leadership, mingle with other guests, and participate in guided tours of the enhanced exhibit, on display through the end of August 2026.

Space is limited, so please RSVP today to join this special reception. To RSVP, contact Deputy Director Robert Kramer at (720) 274-5149 or via email at rob@crrm.org. Please let us know if you will be attending by Friday, March 13th.