Underground Railroad Monoprint Workshop

B&O 3316 "Washington" Observation Tavern Car Unveiling

February 21, 11 AM

In celebration of Black History Month, the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation unveils the newly restored Baltimore & Ohio Railroad No. 3316 “Washington,” a 1949 observation tavern car that represents the height of luxury rail travel and honors the African American railroad workers—especially Pullman Porters—who made that experience possible.

"From Slavery to Civil Rights" Public Tours

February 7, 11, 14, 18, 21 & 25, 11 AM

Explore the powerful history of African Americans on the railroad. From its earliest days, enslaved people helped build many of the country’s first railroads, especially in the South. Over time, the railroad played a role in the ongoing fight for African American equality—from the dark days of slavery and the Civil War, through segregation, and into the Civil Rights Movement. Using our rolling stock collection, we’ll trace the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of African Americans in railroading and reflect on their lasting impact on American history.

Storytime: "BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom"

February 16, 11 AM-Noon

Join us on President’s Day at the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation as we welcome award-winning children’s author Carole Boston Weatherford for a live reading of her powerful picture book BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom. This program invites families and young readers alike to explore history through storytelling- highlighting courage, resilience, and ingenuity of Freedom Seekers. Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from the author, ask questions, and deepen your connection to this moving true story.

Underground Railroad Monoprint Workshop

February 17, 10 AM-Noon

Learn about the significance and connection the Underground Railroad had in Maryland via the B&O Railroad. Then, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance painter Aaron Douglas, students will create monoprint illustrations making thematic connections to the Freedom Seekers who used the Underground Railroad. 

B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 3316 "Washington" Observation Tavern Car

February 25 & 26, March 1, 10 AM-4 PM

The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s annual Unlocked series returns—this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. In honor of Black History Month, we are unveiling the newly restored B&O No. 3316 observation lounge car – highlighting the great impacts railroading has had on Black history!

"Working on the Railroad: The B&O and The Labor Movement" Public Tour

Monday, September 7, 2026 @ 1 PM

This tour will explore the unique history of working for the railroad in America and the evolution of worker rights from the 19th to the 20th centuries, with particular focus on the employees of the B&O Railroad.

Commerce Tour

Monday, September 21, 2026 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM

This fun and upbeat tour teaches children about the types of freight cars used on the railroad and how the railroad connected communities around the world with unique and different foods.

Maryland History Tour/Train Spirit Tour

Friday, October 16, 2026 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM

This tour will examine how Maryland before 1827 became an ideal location for the B&O Railroad and as a result how the B&O Railroad has continued to contribute to the robust history of the state of Maryland. (Visitors wearing train related gear/Museum gear get $5 off their admission price.)

Safe Communities Workshop

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 @ 10:30 AM

In this workshop, students will use craft paper to design a community using 2D and 3D objects with safety in mind.

Women's History Tour

Wednesday, March 10, 2027

This tour will focus on pioneering women railroad workers throughout history and how their lives and achievements in the railroad industry have left a lasting impact on our world to this day.