Black History Month: Unveiling Celebration for the B&O No. 3316

Celebrate the newly restored B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car!

In celebration of Black History Month, the B&O Railroad Museum unveils the newly restored Baltimore & Ohio Railroad No. 3316 “Washington,” a 1949 observation tavern car that represents the height of luxury rail travel and honors the African American railroad workers—especially Pullman Porters—who made that experience possible.

The No. 3316 operated on premier B&O passenger trains, including the Capitol Limited, Columbian and Ambassador. Following a two-year restoration, the car now features a restored art deco interior with a 17-seat observation lounge, a 24-seat tavern with a semicircular bar, and a mural depicting Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms.

The unveiling will include remarks from Chief Curator Jon Goldman and restoration acknowledgments from Jamie Partridge, project manager in the restoration shop, highlighting the historical significance of the car and the craftsmanship behind its restoration. Live jazz curated by Wordsmith, award-winning artist and B&O Railroad Museum Board Member, will feature a trio performing music inspired by the eras when railroads shaped American travel and culture.

The restored No. 3316 “Washington” is now on permanent display at the B&O Railroad Museum.

Schedule

11-11:30 am | Slavery to Civil Rights Tour
11:30 am | Arrival & Welcome
11:35-11:45 am | Curatorial remarks, Jon Goldman, Chief Curator
11:45 am-noon | Restoration acknowledgements, Jamie Partridge, Project Manager
Noon-12:10 pm | Opening of the Car
12:15-1 pm | Restoration and Behind-the-Scenes Talk, Jamie Partridge, Project Manager
1:00p-3:00 pm | Jazz Trio Performance
- Performers: Troy Long (Bandleader & Pianist), Devron Dennis (Drums), & Will Hazlehurst (Bass)

*This project was made possible in part by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Baltimore National Heritage Area through the City of Baltimore general obligation bond program, and the National Railway Historical Society.

Admission:

Included with Museum Admission. B&O Members FREE.

Black History Month at the B&O!

B&O 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car Unveiling

February 21, 11 AM

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“From Slavery to Civil Rights” Public Tours

February 7, 11, 14, 18, 21 & 25, 11 AM

Explore the powerful history of African Americans on the railroad. From its earliest days, enslaved people helped build many of the country’s first railroads, especially in the South. Over time, the railroad played a role in the ongoing fight for African American equality—from the dark days of slavery and the Civil War, through segregation, and into the Civil Rights Movement. Using our rolling stock collection, we’ll trace the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of African Americans in railroading and reflect on their lasting impact on American history.

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Storytime: “BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom”

February 16, 11 AM-Noon

Join us on President’s Day at the B&O Railroad Museum as we welcome award-winning children’s author Carole Boston Weatherford for a live reading of her powerful picture book BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom. This program invites families and young readers alike to explore history through storytelling- highlighting courage, resilience, and ingenuity of Freedom Seekers. Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from the author, ask questions, and deepen your connection to this moving true story.

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Underground Railroad Monoprint Workshop

February 17, 10 AM-Noon

Learn about the significance and connection the Underground Railroad had in Maryland via the B&O Railroad. Then, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance painter Aaron Douglas, students will create monoprint illustrations making thematic connections to the Freedom Seekers who used the Underground Railroad.

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B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car

February 25 & 26, March 1, 10 AM-4 PM

The B&O Railroad Museum’s annual Unlocked series returns—this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. In honor of Black History Month, we are unveiling the newly restored B&O No. 3316 observation lounge car – highlighting the great impacts railroading has had on Black history!

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