B&O Railroad Museum

🚨 Just 1 Week Left to submit to our LEGO Competition! 🚨

Have you finalized your LEGO masterpiece yet? Time to put the finishing touches!

Submit your best model trains, Roundhouses, or other builds before July 31st for a chance to win tickets to the Brick Universe LEGO Fan Expo, a B&O Membership, and a B&O Swag Bag!

Please review the rules and conditions before submitting your entry, which can be found at https://www.borail.org/events/lego-competition/

Didn't make it out to Christmas in July?

Don't worry! Polar Express tickets are now on-sale online too!

Get your tickets for this Polar Express season before they're gone, and we're looking forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary with you!

THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s24)

The Polar Express™ Train Ride | B&O Railroad Museum Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever! Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of The Polar Express. Once on the train, the classic Christmas tale will be performed and little ones will have the opportunity to...

Get ready for August's B&O Unlocked!

Next month, come out to experience the B&O No. 7701 Dreamland Sleeper, a testament to luxury travel on the B&O!

Save the date for August 14th, 17th, or 18th, and we look forward to seeing you there!

It’s the biggest Mafia Wedding of the year!

September 28th from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, come out for a night of train rides, food and drink, and... mystery! Solve the murder of a gangster along with your fellow detectives and be sure to come in your best dress!

Looking for a treat to beat the summer heat?

Join us for Ice Cream Sundays on the Train! July 28th and August 11th, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, come out to enjoy your own ice cream sundae while you ride the Mile One Express!

🌟 Friendly Reminder! 🚂✨

We're thrilled to be part of the Blue Star Museums program here at B&O Railroad Museum!

🇺🇸 Active-duty military personnel and their families can enjoy free admission until September 2nd.

Don't miss this chance to explore our fascinating exhibits and celebrate our nation's rich railroad heritage together. Plan your visit today!

B&O's Royal Blue Line was the pinnacle of royalty, elegance, and opulence for passenger train travel. The interiors and exteriors alike were designed to convey the high standard of the car, and the meals were designed to match.

The offerings of this souvenir menu included A La Carte and Table D'Hote options, providing diners with the choice of salads, sandwiches, or entrée meals. The entrees included Broiled B***d Shad with Roe, Sliced Turkey Shortcake with Cream of Mushroom, Breaded Veal Cutlet with Milanaise, Baked Hickory Smoked Ham with a Raisin Sauce, and Broiled Selected Sirloin Steak.

These meals would have cost between $3.25 and 4.75, which is equal to roughly between $35 and $50 today.

"Souvenir Menu." From the B&O Museum Collection. 2006.022.413.

There’s less than one month until Back-to-School Brick Week at the B&O!

Let the B&O take the hard work out of planning back-to-school activities for your kids and come out for workshops, LEGO displays, and of course, trains!

Can you hear Santa’s sleigh bells? We can!

This weekend, come out to the B&O for Christmas in July and enjoy frozen hot chocolate, visits from Santa, and a make-your-own ornament activity!

For more info, visit https://borail.events/christmasjuly

Early locomotive manufacturer Ross Winans was a main supplier of steam engines for the B&O Railroad, credited with designing the camel locomotive and often less credited in supporting Peter Cooper's designing of the Tom Thumb.

Winans mostly worked independently from a personal workshop on Pratt Street between Arlington and Shroeder Streets, but was was also appointed the B&O's Assistant Engineer of Machinery in 1831. Winans was a pioneering force in locomotive technology, leading the industry-wide shift from wood-burning to coal-burning engines.

In 1848, Winans designed the camel, one of the nation's first mass-produced coal burning locomotives. He went on to produce this locomotive type for a variety of railroads, but by far the B&O was his best customer with their total 140 locomotives purchased. The success of the camel made Winans one of the nation's first multi-millionaires.

While best known as a railroad engineer, Winans also designed an experimental warship of a cylindrical shape. It became known as the "Cigar Boat" and though it was rejected for design flaws, the boat went onto inspire the look of the Nautilus submarine in the novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne.

Next week, we'll continue discussing Winans by diving into the role he played in the American acquisition of Alaska!

Less than 2 Weeks Left!

Don't miss out on your chance to enter our LEGO Competition!

Submit your best model trains, Roundhouses, or other builds before July 31st for a chance to win tickets to the Brick Universe LEGO Fan Expo, a B&O Membership, and a B&O Swag Bag!

Please review the rules and conditions before submitting your entry, which can be found at https://www.borail.org/events/lego-competition/

Come out for a day of honoring and interacting with First Responders!

On Saturday, September 7th from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, the B&O Railroad Museum will be partnering with the First Responders Children’s Foundation to create an opportunity for children to meet their favorite First Responders and see their equipment up close!

In February of 1944, the New York Central Railroad (NYC) ordered four round-end observation cars from the BUDD company. Each car was designed to include 53 seats and a built-in buffet, and were delivered in 1948 for use on the railroad's premier passenger lines. Originally numbered NYC No. 50, this BUDD observation coach was used to carry passenger on the "James Whitcomb Riley" route connecting Chicago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.

When passenger rail services declined in the mid-to-late-20th century, many non-essential locomotives and coaches were sold off. In 1960, the NYC sold its four BUDD observation cars to the Kansas City Southern Railroad (KCS) and the NYC No. 50 became the KCS No. 46. After only three years, the No. 46 was brought to the Pullman Company for extensive renovations, in which the seating arrangement was changed and the buffet was replaced with a lunch counter.

Due to the modifications made during its renovation, the No. 46 was reclassified as a tavern-lounge observation car. Somewhere between 1963 and 1969, the car was renumbered as KCS No. 43. In 1969, the KCS ended its passenger services and No. 43 was sold to a private collector the following year.

The private collector restored the car to its NYC appearance and renumbered it NYC No. 48, though it never wore this number while working for the New York Central Railroad.

From 1971 to 1972, the No. 48 was used for charter passenger trips before being sold to Strates Shows, Inc., a traveling carnival company based in Orlando, FL.

To follow the story of the BOMX "Royal Blue" Observation Lounge to modern day, we'll see you next week!

"BOMX 'Royal Blue' Observation Lounge," c. 1944-1948. From the B&O Railroad Museum Collection. 2009.028.001.

Diesel Day is back this September! Come out on Saturday, September 21st to see our diesel fleet roll down the tracks!

If you came out for B&O Unlocked for the MARC 7100, get ready to see it in action!

Diesel Day is a parade of our diesel fleet locomotives with narration, time for Q&A, and photo-ops to your heart’s content! We look forward to bringing back this fan-favorite this fall and can’t wait to see you there!

Dive deeper than your history books will take you by joining the B&O for a living history experience on August 10th at 12:00 pm!

Enjoy a performance about Civil War History from famed Ulysses S. Grant impressionist and professional living historian, Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth J. Serfass, who has been recognized by the state of California for his contributions to education!

On July 28th and August 11th, the Mile One Express train ride is getting even sweeter! From 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, join us for Ice Cream Sundays on the Train and enjoy a tasty sundae while you ride the rails!

Don’t miss out on a chance to get your Polar Express tickets early this year!

Join the B&O for Christmas in July on July 20th and 21st for a chance to get your Polar Express tickets at the lowest price all season! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic film, so be sure to get your tickets while you have the chance!

For more info, visit https://borail.events/christmasjuly

We're excited to share that our newest exhibit The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad has been named a 2024 Best of Baltimore Readers' Poll finalist for Best Exhibit. Thank you so much for your support and continuing to help us highlight this important part of Baltimore history. Be sure and see all of the winners in Baltimore Magazine this month!

Following the Point of Rocks Conflict, the B&O needed to change its plans west. The rails could either cross the river at Harper’s Ferry or bypass it completely by heading towards Hagerstown, Maryland. Though there were advantages to either plan, the railroad opted to face the difficult terrain around Harpers Ferry in pursuit of the chance to connect the line to the Wi******er and Potomac (W&P) Railroad’s 30-mile line being built from Wi******er, Virginia along the Shenandoah River.

Photo credit: Paula Stoner Dickey, 07/1978

🌟 Don’t forget! The deadline for our LEGO Competition is just around the corner! 🌟

Bring your creativity and LEGO bricks for a chance to win awesome prizes!

Submit before July 31st for a chance to win a B&O Membership, tickets to the Brick Universe LEGO Fan Expo on September 7th and 8th, and more!

Please review the rules and conditions before submitting your entry, which can be found at https://www.borail.org/events/lego-competition/

Formed from 10k gold, this mechanical "Chatelaine" pencil made by Rauch & Company of New York. It was gifted to B&O President John Work Garrett by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 following the battle of Antietam. The pencil served as both a writing instrument and jewelry piece, and could be attached to a golden chain and fastened to the owner's vest.

B&O President John Work Garrett allowed the Union to use the B&O Railroad for the movement of troops and supplies, despite Garrett's sympathies lying with the successionist movement. Garrett recognized that siding with the Union was the smarter choice for the B&O. It wasn’t until Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson began inflicting massive damage to the B&O that Garrett publicly supported the Union, and he later developed a close friendship with Abraham Lincoln.

Secretary of War Edwin Stanton worked alongside John Work Garrett to fast-track supplies from DC to Sharpsburg, MD during the Battle of Antietam, a clash between the troops of Union General George B. McClellan and Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The plan to get the supplies to the Union troops would require the cooperation of every railroad loyal to the federal government, starting with the Washington Branch of the B&O Railroad. In Baltimore, the train connected to the Northern Central Railroad and proceeded to Harrisburg, then transferred to the Cumberland Valley Railroad and driven to Hagerstown, MD.

Once the train reached Hagerstown, it was taken to Sharpsburg via wagon. The supplies crossed 200 miles of track in less than 12 hours, an incredible feat. Though the supply transport did not turn the tides of the battle, it did demonstrate the importance of the railroad during war time.

Shortly after the battle, Lincoln invited Garrets and others to view the battlefield, where he gifted this chatelaine mechanical pencil to Garrett.

"President John Work Garrett's Mechanical Pencil - Gift of Abraham Lincoln," c. 1862. From the B&O Railroad Museum Collection. 2017.064.001.

Come out to Toddler Time for a Sesame Street Book!

This Thursday, come out for a sing-a-long and reading of My Friend Julia: A Sesame Street Book about Autism by Jennifer Cook. Afterwards, little learners will complete a booklet about diversity amongst their peers and how to be inclusive of all!

Toddler Time is held every other Thursday, January - October, at 10:30 am. If you can't make it to this one, you're always invited to the next!

Don your best 1920s dress, bring your detective hats, and get ready for the “Death of a Gangster – A 1920’s Mafia Marriage Murder Mystery!”

Mark your calendar for September 28th from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, and we’ll see you there!

Sprinkle some fun into your train ride with Ice Cream Sundays on the Train! On July 28th and August 11th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm enjoy a train ride with a frosty treat!

Say "I Do" in Timeless Elegance at B&O Railroad Museum!

Dreaming of a wedding venue that blends history and romance? Look no further than B&O Railroad Museum! Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by vintage locomotives and charming historic architecture.

From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, our unique venue offers a picturesque backdrop for your special day. Our experienced team is dedicated to making your wedding unforgettable, ensuring every detail is perfect.

Dates are filling up fast – contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your magical celebration at B&O Railroad Museum!

Photo: tPoz Photography

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to build, compete, and have fun with LEGO!

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned builder, everyone is welcome to join in the excitement!

Submit before July 31st for a chance to win a B&O Membership, tickets to the Brick Universe LEGO Fan Expo on September 7th and 8th, and more!

Please review the rules and conditions before submitting your entry, which can be found at https://www.borail.org/events/lego-competition/

Meet Mike!

Mike has been a volunteer alongside his wife, Ruth, for 27 years! Mike serves as a greeter and docent for the museum, sharing information about the rolling stock and historic buildings.

When asked about his standout moment at the museum, Mike stated that he loves making visitors feel welcome and hearing that they enjoyed their experience.

Sleek and visually appealing, this menu from the Royal Blue Line includes a few uncommon offerings for today, including Green Turtle, likely Green Turtle Soup, Cardinal Punch, and Astoria Salad.

Green Turtle Soup is made often from the green turtle and includes sweet herbs, onions, and Madeira wine. The soup requires slow cooking at low temperatures and would have required careful preparation to have it ready for passenger consumption.

Cardinal punch is an alcoholic beverage with a rich red color. The punch is fairly easy to make, as it is 1 oz of Crème de Cassis de Bourgogne, topped with red wine, making it a fruity red drink to go with any meal.

Astoria salad, commonly called Waldorf salad is a creation of the maitre d'hotel Oscar Tschirky at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in the year 1893. The salad was served to high society from all parts and would have been a way for the B&O to elevate their menu with a fairly simple to make recipe!

"Royal Limited Dinner Menu." From the B&O Railroad Museum Collection. 2006.022.411.

Only one more week until Christmas in July!

Come out to the B&O July 20th and 21st from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to enjoy frozen hot chocolate, meet with Santa from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and get your tickets for Polar Express!

For more info, visit https://borail.events/christmasjuly

Finishing summer can be a downer, but with Back-to-School Brick Week at the B&O, you can get your kids excited to learn with fun workshops and creative activities!