A Week of Innovation – March 30-April 3, 2026
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 March 30–April 3 for daily workshops and tours where you can explore the science, stories, and cool inventions that powered America’s railroads. Check out the schedule below to see all the exciting Spring Break activities we have planned!
All workshops, tours and storytimes are included with Museum Admission.
FREE for Museum Members.
Train Ride tickets available for purchase on-site.
Spring Break Events at the B&O
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)
Upcoming Events at the Museum
WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:
“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.”
Jeffery O.
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