A Week of Innovation
Celebrate the inventors and engineers who helped build America! In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation presents American S.T.E.A.M. Week—a hands-on week full of trains, experiments, and fun.
Join us August 17-21 for daily workshops and tours where you can explore the science, stories, and cool inventions that powered America’s railroads.
All workshops, tours and storytimes are included with Museum Admission.
FREE for Museum Members.
Train Ride tickets available for purchase on-site.
Admission:
Included with Museum Admission. Museum Members FREE.
Maryland Railroad History Tour
Mon, Aug 17 @ 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, Aug 17 @ 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, Aug 17 @ 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, Aug 18 @ 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, Aug 18 @ 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, Aug 18 @ 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, Aug 19 @ 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, August 19 @ 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+) </i>
Design Your Own Plate!
Wed, Aug 19 @ 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, Aug 20 @ 10:30 AM
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, Aug 20 @ 11 AM- 2 PM
Make a claw inspired by engineer George Westinghouse's innovative automatic air braking system!(Grades 3+)
Safety & Signals Practice
Thur, Aug 20 @ 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, Aug 21 @ 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, Aug 21 @ 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, Aug 21 @ 11 AM- 2 PM
Come by Junior Junction to create your own railroad engineer’s hat to take home! (Grades PreK-2)
America 250 at the Museum
AFT No. 1 Unveiling
Mon, January 12, 2026 @ 1 PM
Experience the newly restored American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1—a powerful symbol of American pride, unity, and ingenuity.
B&O Unlocked: AFT No. 1
January 24, 25, & 28, 2026 @ 10 AM-4 PM
Now beautifully restored, the AFT No. 1 stands ready once again to inspire all who believe in the enduring spirit of freedom and progress. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to step inside the cab!
American Freedom Tour
February 7, 14, 21, & 28, 2026 @ 10:30 AM
Discover the powerful intersection of American history and the rise of railroading. Uncover how the railroad opened the door to freedom: freedom to prosper, freedom to explore, and freedom to pursue a new life.
Black History Month: Unveiling Celebration for the B&O No. 3316
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.
B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 3316
February 25, 28, & March 1, 2026 @ 10 AM-4 PM
In honor of Black History Month, we are unveiling the newly restored B&O No. 3316 observation lounge car!
B&O Unlocked: AFT No. 1
July 4, 5, 18, & 19, 2026
We are re-unlocking the AFT No.1 in honor of Independence Day! The cosmetically restored “T-Hog” was just placed on display in January of this year. If you missed your chance to see it then, now is the time to check it out!
Summer S.T.E.A.M. Week
August 17-21, 2026
Celebrate the inventors and engineers who helped build America! Explore the science, stories, and cool inventions that powered America’s railroads.
American Freedom Tour
September 5, 6, & 7, 2026 @ 10 AM
Discover the powerful intersection of American history and the rise of railroading. Uncover how the railroad opened the door to freedom: freedom to prosper, freedom to explore, and freedom to pursue a new life.
Story Time & Make Your Own Maryland Flag
May 25 @10:30 AM
Enjoy a read aloud of Jackrabbit McCabe and the Electric Telegraph by Lucy Margaret Rozier. Afterwards, color your own Maryland flag!
"The War Came by Train" Civil War Tour
May 25 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM
On this tour we will uncover the story behind the first-time trains were used in warfare: the American Civil War.
Morse Code Workshop
May 25 @ 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.
Paper Flashlight Workshop
May 25 @ 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.
"The Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O" Public Tour
June 19 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM
On this tour we will explore the history of the Underground Railroad using experiences of 27 documented freedom seekers who have interacted with the B&O Railroad on their journey to freedom.
"Working on the Railroad: The B&O and the Labor Movement" Public Tour
September 7 @ 10:30 AM & 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.
"Maryland on the Rails: The B&O's Contribution to Maryland History" Public Tour
October 12 @ 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.
"Iron War Horses: B&O's Support of American Troops Abroad" Public Tour
November 11 @ 10:30 AM & 1 PM
Explore the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s involvement in global conflicts like the Civil War, World War I, and World War II on this engaging and exciting tour of our historic collection.
Upcoming Events at the B&O
WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:
“The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation is easily one of the best railroad museums in the country, if not the world.”
Geoffrey Morrison
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