Making and Braking Workshop | B&O Railroad Museum

Spring Break S.T.E.A.M. Week at the B&O

Celebrate the inventors and engineers who helped build America! In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the B&O Railroad Museum presents American S.T.E.A.M. Week—a hands-on week full of trains, experiments, and fun.

Workshop

Create your own mechanical brake caliper inspired by George Westinghouse’s railroad braking system. (Grades 3+)

Admission:

Included with Museum Admission. B&O Members FREE.

More events during Spring Break at the B&O

Monday, March 30, 2026– Friday, April 3, 2026

Join us at the Museum for a fun-filled week of interactive workshops, storytimes, and tours!

Maryland Railroad History Tour

Mon, March 30 @ 10:30 AM

On this tour, you will explore the ways that the B&O Railroad has contributed to major historic moments in Maryland state history. (All Ages)

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Peter Cooper Train Building Workshop

Mon, March 30 @ 11 AM

Build your own locomotive using wheels and PVC pipes, then test your creation by transporting key supplies—like coal and water—through our obstacle course. (Ages 3+)

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Build Your Own Locomotive!

Mon, March 30 @ 11 AM

Cut out and design your own locomotive to take home! All materials are provided in Junior Junction. (Grades PreK-2)

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Railroad Technology Tour

Tues, March 31 @ 10:30 AM

Explore the evolution of key technology used on the railroad from the first passenger cars pulled by horses to the modern high-speed rail. (All ages)

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Granville T. Woods Telegraph Challenge

Tues, March 31 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Use Granville T. Woods’ Multiplex Railway telegraph to send messages to your friends using basic telegraph technology. (Grades 3+)

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Solve the Puzzle!

Tues, March 31 @ 11 AM-@ 2 PM

Use the secret code to connect the dots and solve the word puzzle. All materials are provided in Junior Junction. (Grades PreK-2)

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“Women on the Rails” Tour

Wed, April 1 @ 10:30 AM

Learn about the women of the B&O’s history who contributed to the style, design, and infrastructure of notable B&O collection pieces. (All ages)

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Olive Dennis Bridge-Making Workshop

Wed, April 1 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Can your bridge withstand a locomotive? Inspired by Olive Dennis, one of America’s first female civil engineers, you will design and test bridges strong enough to carry a model train car. (Grades 3+)

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Design Your Own Plate!

Wed, April 1 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Just like the historic dinnerware that guests used on luxury railroads, come to Junior Junction to design your own dining China to take home. (Grades PreK-2)

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Railroad Safety Tour

Thur, April 2 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Learn how the railroad keeps its workers and passengers safe now and throughout the past 200 years of B&O Railroad history. (All Ages)

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“Making and Braking” Workshop

Thur, April 2 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Make a claw inspired by engineer George Westinghouse’s innovative automatic air braking system!(Grades 3+)

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Safety & Signals Practice

Thur, April 2 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Think you know your railway signs and safety signals? Take this quiz in our Junior Junction to find out how much you know! (Grades PreK-2)

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American Railroad Engineering Tour

Fri, April 3 @ 10:30 AM

Discover the engineers who built America’s railroads, learn how they improved the B&O, and see how their inventions changed transportation across the country! (All ages)

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