Olive Dennis Day: Celebrating Women in S.T.E.M.

Discover the remarkable story of Olive Dennis—an unsung pioneer of the B&O Railroad and a trailblazer in women’s history—during a full day of hands-on learning and inspiring programs. As one of the first women engineers in the railroad industry, Dennis transformed the passenger rail experience in the early 20th century, introducing innovations that made cross-country travel safer, more comfortable, and more efficient.

At a time when engineering was overwhelmingly dominated by men, Olive Dennis broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in S.T.E.M.

Schedule:

10 am-4 pm: Crafts in the Roundhouse
10:30 am: Tour: The Engineering Legacy of Olive Dennis
11 am: Story Time: Railroad Engineer Olive Dennis by Kaye Baillie
11 am-12 pm: Special Archival Exhibit (curated by Anna Kresmer)
11 am-1 pm: S.T.E.A.M. Workshop: Streamlining and Creating Aerodynamic Vehicles (Grades K-3^rd )
1-1:30 pm: Guest Lecture by Sharon Harwood: The Life and Impact of Olive Dennis
1:30 pm: Tour: The Engineering Legacy of Olive Dennis
2-4 pm: S.T.E.A.M. Workshop: Streamlining and Creating Aerodynamic Vehicles (Grades 3^rd-8^th)
3:30 pm: Tour: The Engineering Legacy of Olive Dennis

Whether you’re joining a tour, building and experimenting in a workshop, or simply learning something new, Olive Dennis Day is a celebration of innovation, curiosity, and the women who continue to shape the world through S.T.E.M.