Hays T. Watkins Research Library, dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading
Hays T. Watkins Research Library
Established in 1991, the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s Hays T. Watkins Research Library & Archives is dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading, emphasizing the legacy of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and other significant railroads located in the region, such as the Western Maryland Railway, the Chessie System, and CSX Transportation. The bulk of the research library holdings document the history of the B&O Railroad from its beginnings in 1827 to the 1970s and place the history of the B&O in the broad context of social, cultural, political, and economic trends in the United States of America.
Research
The Hays T. Watkins Research Library is dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading.
Learn more
Archives & Library Collections
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s archives and library are dedicated to the history and preservation of American…
Employee Records Search
Have a relative who worked for the B&O Railroad during the 20th Century? Learn how you can access their records…
African American Railroading Oral Archives
The African American Railroading Oral Archives, in partnership with Union Baptist Church, collects stories related to the experiences of African…
B&O Railroad Relief Department Collection
The B&O Relief Department Collection contains the records of thousands of B&O employees who participated in the first employer-managed insurance…
Research
The Hays T. Watkins Research Library is dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading.
Learn more
Archives & Library Collections
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s archives and library are dedicated to the history and preservation of American…
Learn more
Employee Records Search
Have a relative who worked for the B&O Railroad during the 20th Century? Learn how you can access their records…
Learn more
African American Railroading Oral Archives
The African American Railroading Oral Archives, in partnership with Union Baptist Church, collects stories related to the experiences of African…
Learn more
B&O Railroad Relief Department Collection
The B&O Relief Department Collection contains the records of thousands of B&O employees who participated in the first employer-managed insurance…
Learn moreHours
The Research Library is open Monday-Friday from 10 AM–3 PM by appointment only.
Please complete the Researcher Registration Form to begin your research or to schedule a visit.
Contact Information
Email: Research@NationalRailroad.org
Research & Donation Line: 443-627-2375
Explore Other Areas of the Collection
Did you know?
The United States Military Railroad was the first US government agency to hire African Americans.
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