B&O Railroad Museum Celebrates MLK Weekend with “Freedom in Fabric,” Exploring the Legacy of African American Quilting
Baltimore, MD — This Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, the B&O Railroad Museum invites the public to explore the intersection of quilting and its connection to the Underground Railroad with a special program: “Freedom in Fabric: The Legacy of African American Quilting.” From Saturday, January 17, to Monday, January 19, the Museum will host a weekend of immersive storytelling and hands-on activities that honor the cultural traditions passed down from the Underground Railroad to the present day using the powerful artform of quilting.
Rooted in the history of Baltimore and beyond, the event explores the role quilts have played as symbols of empowerment. Highlighting the museum’s status as a Network to Freedom site for its award-winning National Underground Railroad exhibit, the program includes a deep dive into the “quilt codes” of the Underground Railroad and their role in the quest for liberty.
“While we appreciate quilts for their beauty, they were and are signs of expression with many quilts during the time of slavey being used as forms of communication with ‘quilt codes’ embedded in the patterns,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, we are proud to partner with quilting organizations to share these stories of resilience and ingenuity, and we encourage everyone to attend one of the days this weekend’.”
Event Schedule for Saturday, January 17, to Monday, January 19:
- Roundhouse Craft (10 am – 4 pm): Children and families are invited to create their own “mini-quilt” squares using felt and symbols of freedom to take home.
- Guided Program Experience (10 am – Noon): An in-depth exploration of the Museum’s Underground Railroad exhibit, focusing on how quilting traditions served as tools for empowerment and communication.
- African American Railroading Legacy Tours (11 am & 1 pm): Specialized tours highlighting the essential contributions and history of African Americans in the railroad industry.
Exclusively on January 17 & 18:
- Baltimore Heritage Quilt Guild (10 am-4 pm): The Baltimore Heritage Quilt Guild will display two quilts inspired by the work of Martin Luther King Jr.
Exclusively on January 19:
- 10 am – 2 pm Uhuru Quilters Guild: The Uhuru Quilters Guild display some of their quilts on–site in our Roundhouse.
- 11:30 Presentation: Uhuru Quilters Guild Founder Carol Williams will give a talk on the African American Quilting Legacy.
The “Freedom in Fabric” program is included with general Museum admission ($12-$20) and is free for B&O Members.
This event follows the historic unveiling of the American Freedom Train No. 1, continuing the Museum’s year-long commitment to sharing the diverse stories that define the American experience as part of the America 250 celebration.
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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, a National Historic Landmark, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, and a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on 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, over 30 million archival documents, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse as well as the first mile of commercial railroad track ever laid in America. The Museum welcomes guests annually from all 50 states and 40 countries. For more information about the Museum, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org. For more information about America 250 at the B&O Railroad Museum, please visit borail.events/America250. 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
