
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the B&O is dedicating the entire MLK holiday weekend to the story of civil rights and the railroad. From slavery to the civil rights era and beyond, African Americans and the railroad share a deeply interconnected history. On this special weekend, we wish to share that history with you.
Sunday, January 17 – 1:45 PM
Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr. presents how Baltimore’s Union Baptist Church played a historic, central role in the civil rights movement by overturning Maryland’s law permitting segregation on train cars and shares his own personal experience working for the B&O Railroad. After the presentation, Rev. Hathaway will be available for a public Q&A.
Showing all day throughout holiday weekend
Official Oral Archives Virtual Debut: Mon., Jan. 18
A B&O Railroad Museum debut of video and oral narratives of the African American experience with the railroad. Learn first-hand accounts of riding in a segregated car, working to recruit for diversity and creating a mentoring program for the railroad.
Saturday, January 16 – 2 PM
Sunday, January 17 – 3 PM
Monday, January 18 – 1 PM
A special tour which highlights the history of African Americans on the railroad from slavery to civil rights. Included with admission.
Saturday, January 16 – 10:30 AM
Monday, January 18 – 10:30 AM
This version of our "From Slavery to Civil Rights" tour is designed to engage kids' in their understanding of the history of African Americans on the railroad, and includes an activity to reflect on what they have learned.
Sunday, January 17 – 11 AM - 1 PM
Renowned Frederick Douglass reenactor Reginald Peterson returns to teach visitors about the life of this famous Maryland abolitionist.