Hays T. Watkins Research Library

The Hays T. Watkins Research Library was established in 1991 as part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, Inc. It is named for former Chessie System and CSX Chairman, Hays T. Watkins. Mr. Watkins, Chairman Emeritus of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, oversaw the museum's transition to a nonprofit institution.

The Hays T. Watkins Research Library is dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading, emphasizing the legacy of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and other significant railroads located in Maryland such as the Western Maryland Railway, the Chessie System, and CSX Transportation.

The bulk of the research library holdings document the history of the B&O Railroad from its beginnings in 1827 to the 1970s and place the history of the B&O in the broad context of the social, cultural, political, and economic trends in America.

The archives holdings include: B&O Railroad corporate records such as the Directors Minute Books, 1827-1927; corporate documents; manuscript collections; maps; mechanical and engineering drawings; ephemera; B&O payroll files dating 1905-1971; and motion picture films.

The library contains over 5,000 books, periodicals and trade publications relating to all aspects of railroading and significant documents include the papers of early presidents, Philip Thomas and John Work Garrett, which provide substantial information concerning the early years of the railroad.

The library's image collection includes over 100,000 still images and photographic prints, slides, transparencies, and glass plate and film negatives, as well as lithographs, paintings and other fine art.

Access to the library is by appointment only and there are fees associated with its use and reproduction of its terms.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Those interested in volunteering in The Hays T. Watkins Research Library should fill out an application on the Volunteer website.

Additional Resources