Paper Flashlight Workshop | B&O Railroad Museum

An Invention that Changed the Nation

Did you know that the first official telegraph message was received at the current location of the B&O Railroad Museum on May 24, 1844? Learn more about Samuel Morse and how the telegraph revolutionized communication at one of our scheduled activities:

Activity

Learn to communicate in Morse Code using paper flashlights! Participants will learn about how circuits and polarity work during this activity.

Memorial Day at the B&O

Storytime and Craft

May 25, 2026 @ 10:30 AM

Enjoy a read aloud of Jackrabbit McCabe and the Electric Telegraph by Lucy Margaret Rozier. Afterwards, color your own Maryland flag.

Paper Flashlight Workshop

May 25, 2026 @ 10 AM-4 PM

Learn to communicate in Morse Code using paper flashlights! Participants will learn about how circuits and polarity work during this activity.

Morse Code Workshop

May 25, 2026 @ 10 AM-4 PM

Learn about the connection between Samuel Morse’s telegraph and the B&O. Next, decode your own name in Morse Code and create a bracelet.

Upcoming Events at the B&O

B&O Unlocked: Behind-the-scenes Tours

Sensory Sundays

B&O Unlocked: American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1

250th All-American Bash

$10 Admission Day

Ice Cream Sundays

Select Summer Sundays

Learn More

250th All-American Bash

July 4 | 10:30 am-3:30 pm

Get Tickets

TrainStation 2 & 3: Save the Rails Returns

July 1-7

Learn More

Restoration Shop Tour

July 12 | Train Ride departs at 10:30 am

Get Tickets

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

Now on display in the Roundhouse

Learn More

WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:

Jeffery O.

December 2024

Wonderful rail museum with many historic engines, passenger cars, mail car, troop transport, and more. Several models layouts including the Smithsonian collection of models which was amazing. Wonderful presentation on the underground railroad. We will visit again.