Maryland Railroad History Tour | 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.

Tour

On this tour, you will explore the ways that the B&O Railroad has contributed to major historic moments in Maryland state history. You will learn about the development of the B&O Railroad, the invention of the telegraph, the first American Steam Locomotive and more. (All ages)

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)

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+)

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)

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)

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+)

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)

“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)

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+)

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)

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)

“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+)

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)

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)

MagLev Workshop

Fri, April 3 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Discover the power of electromagnetic energy as you build a locomotive that runs on a magnetic railroad track! (All Ages)

Become a Jr. Engineer

Fri, April 3 @ 11 AM- 2 PM

Come by Junior Junction to create your own railroad engineer’s hat to take home! (Grades PreK-2)

Upcoming Events at the B&O

B&O Unlocked: Behind-the-scenes Tours

Sensory Sundays

B&O Unlocked: B&O No. CE-10 Electric Switcher

Toddler Time

Plated 4: An Epicurean Affair

Day Out With Thomas

April 25-26 & May 2-3

Get Tickets

See the newly Restored B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car

Now on display in the Roundhouse

Learn More

See the newly Restored AFT-1

Now on display on Platform 2

Learn More

WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:

Alison J.

July 2024

The Underground Railroad exhibit particularly made an impression. You can learn about the enslaved people who passed through Mount Clare Station as their last stop before reaching the northern states. Sobering and inspiring stories.