B&O Railroad Museum to Host 250th All-American Bash on July 4!
Showcasing One-Day-Only Cab Access to American Freedom Train No. 1, Live Honky Tonk Music and Dance, BBQ, and Family Fun
Baltimore, MD — June 4— The B&O Railroad Museum will celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, with the 250th All-American Bash — a day of celebrating American history with live music, food, and family fun running from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The centerpiece of the celebration is a rare chance to climb inside a true piece of American history – the American Freedom Train No. 1 locomotive (AFT No.1). In 1975–76, AFT No. 1 was one of three locomotives that pulled the American Freedom Train across the country in honor of the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. Millions of Americans saw the train, a traveling museum. This July 4, for one day only, the cab of this legendary engine will be open to the public to climb aboard American history and take a picture.
” We can think of no better way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4th than by providing an opportunity for everyone to step inside the cab of an iconic American treasure – the American Freedom Train No.1,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “The railroad was Maryland’s gift to the nation, and we are excited to share the history of this invention while enjoying barbecue, honky tonk music and dancing, and games and crafts for all ”
From noon to 3 p.m., the Baltimore Honky Tonk and the Talbot Mayo Band will take over the museum grounds for live music and two-stepping. Free dance lessons will be offered, welcoming dancers of all ages and experience levels. Younger guests can enjoy lawn games and hands-on arts and crafts throughout the day as well.
A BBQ lunch will be available for purchase on-site, with options ranging from pork sliders to vegan Italian sausage. Train riders will receive free ice cream while riding on the first mile of track ever laid in the country, and Mystique Barrel Brewing and Lager House will be pouring craft beers and specialty drinks, also available for purchase.
The 250th All-American Bash is included with museum admission: adults $20, seniors $17, children $12. B&O Members attend for free. Tickets are available at borail.org.
The B&O Railroad Museum is located at 901 W Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223 and offers free onsite parking.
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About the B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum, located in Baltimore, Md., is the birthplace of American railroading. The Museum is a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is also a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. The Museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its contribution to American life – socially, culturally, and economically. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse, and the first mile of commercial railroad track laid in America. The Museum welcomes guests annually from all 50 states and 40 countries. For more information, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org. For more information on the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, please visit www.americanrail200.org.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Jayakanthan
B & O Railroad Museum
Sjayakanthan@borail.org
520-233-3947
