Restoration of Historic AFT No. 1 Kicks Off at B&O Railroad Museum
Restoration to Honor America’s 250th in 2026!
Baltimore, MD – The B&O Railroad Museum will begin a full cosmetic restoration of the American Freedom Train No. 1 (AFT No. 1) locomotive, with an expected completion date of December 2025. The AFT No. 1 was one of three locomotives used to pull the American Freedom Train of 1975 and 1976 as part of the Bicentennial Celebration of American Independence. The AFT No. 1 is the only locomotive of the three original steam locomotives that remains in its original American Freedom Train paint scheme. The restoration will be completed in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027.
“The AFT No. 1 is a symbol of patriotism and unity and captured the hearts and minds of millions of Americans during its nationwide tour,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “We are proud to bring this icon of American history back to its former glory and to contribute to the America 250 celebration.”
The B&O Railroad Museum is the birthplace of American railroading, and the AFT No. 1 once restored will be prominently and permanently be displayed as part of its collection.
The American Freedom Train toured the nation between April 1, 1975, and December 31, 1976, in celebration of the United States Bicentennial. The American Freedom Train was pulled by one of three steam locomotives: the No. 1, the No. 4499, and the No. 610. Seven million Americans viewed the train during its 21-month journey. The train visited all 48 contiguous states, stopping at 138 cities along its route. It carried artifacts and artworks related to American culture, and many of the cars were converted into “display cars” that visitors could enter or “showcase cars” with large windows for visitors to view the collections. The American Freedom Train contained over 500 pieces of Americana including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten draft of the Articles of Confederation, the original Louisiana Purchase, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s robes and pulpit, Judy Garland’s dress from The Wizard of Oz, and a lunar rover.
The restoration is supported in part by a Federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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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 was also designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site by the National Park Service. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American society, culture, and economy. 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 in America. The Museum welcomes guests from all 50 states and 40 countries every year. For more information, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Jayakanthan
B & O Railroad Museum
520-233-3947