Mayor Brandon Scott Joins Community Leaders for Read Across America Celebration at the B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, MD — February 23, 2026 — Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott will be among the featured guest readers at the B&O Railroad Museum’s Read Across America celebration on March 1 and 2, bringing together prominent Maryland leaders, media personalities, and community members for a weekend of storytelling and family fun in the Museum’s historic Roundhouse. Museum admission will also be free for all children 12 years and under for these two days.
National Education Association’s Read Across America (RAA) is the country’s biggest yearly celebration of reading. It takes place on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday—and continues year-round to inspire children to develop a love of books. Established in 1998, the initiative encourages readers of all ages to explore diverse and inclusive stories through engaging activities and programs.
From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, families are invited to enjoy half-hour story times led by special guests, with a new reader taking the stage every 30 minutes to share beloved children’s books in one of Baltimore’s most iconic spaces.
In addition to story times, families can enjoy themed swag giveaways and an interactive “book tasting” experience designed to spark curiosity and excitement about reading.
On Monday, the celebration continues with complimentary book giveaways (first come, first served), including:
- Pete the Cat’s Train Trip by Kimberly Dean and James Dean
- Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
- The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
“Reading opens doors to imagination, opportunity, and lifelong learning,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “We are proud to bring together leaders from across Maryland to celebrate literacy and inspire the next generation of readers. At the B&O, we believe stories — like railroads — connect us to new ideas, new places, and one another.”
Schedule of Readers
Sunday, March 1
- 10:30 a.m.: Joy Moore, Children’s Advocate and Mother of Maryland Governor Wes Moore
- 11 a.m.: Roz Kreizenbeck, Director of Education & Interpretation at the Walters Art Museum
- 11:20 a.m.: Caite Debevec, Learning & Visitor Experience Director at Port Discovery
- 11:40 a.m.: Emma Snyder, Owner of The Ivy Bookshop
- Noon: Alex Parker, WBFF Reporter
- 12:30 p.m.: Joyce A. Robinson, Railroad Engineer and Author
- 1 p.m.: Carole Boston Weatherford, Caldecott Award-Winning Author
- 1:30 p.m.: Sammie Samuels, Director of the Irish American Museum
- 2 p.m.: Jay Shanahan, Museum Educator at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 2:30 p.m.: Peggy Koenig, Education Specialist at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 3 p.m.: Sam Hughes, Education Director at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 3:30 p.m.: Jay Shanahan, Museum Educator at the B&O Railroad Museum
Monday, March 2
- 10:30 a.m.: Megan Knight, WMAR News Anchor
- 11 a.m.: Wordsmith, Multidisciplinary Artist
- 11:30 a.m.: Lesley Mason, Children’s Services Manager at Enoch Pratt
- Noon: Mayor of Baltimore City Brandon Scott
- 12:30 p.m.: Janay Reece, WJZ Anchor
- 1 p.m.: Tiffany “Lady T” Watson, WBFF Bmore Lifestyle Host
- 1:30 p.m.: Danielle Harris, Director of Community Relations at University of Maryland at Baltimore
- 2 p.m.: Kerry Watson, Executive Vice President of Orioles Public Affairs
- 2:30 p.m.: Joyce A. Robinson, Railroad Engineer and Author
- 3 p.m.: Sam Hughes, Education Director at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 3:30 p.m.: Jay Shanahan, Museum Educator at the B&O Railroad Museum
All activities are included with regular Museum admission, which ranges from $12-$20. Children 12 and under are free for these two days. The B&O Railroad Museum is also a proud partner for Museums for All and offers $1 admission for guests showing a SNAP/EBT card.
The Museum is located at 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223, and offers free on- site parking.
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About the B&O Railroad Museum
The B&O Railroad Museum, located in Baltimore, Md., is the birthplace of American railroading. The Museum is a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was also designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site by the National Park Service. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American society, culture, and economy. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse, and the first mile of commercial railroad track in America. The Museum welcomes guests from all 50 states and 40 countries every year. For more information, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org. For more information on the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, please visit www.americanrail200.org.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Jayakanthan
B & O Railroad Museum
Sjayakanthan@borail.org
520-233-3947
