All aboard for a visit to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum.
Opening its doors in 1876, the B&O Railroad Museum provides a historic, hands-on experience for children and adults.
The museum is “the longest-surviving railroad facility in the world,” said Jim Maitland, a volunteer staff member at the museum.
Before the B&O Railroad became a museum, it had a large economic impact on Baltimore City.
Between 1830 and 1986, the railroad was operational for passengers and coal freight, said Dave Shackelford, chief curator at the museum.
Railroad cars went to 13 states, and “it was the largest employer in the city for the largest time,” he said.
Now, it attracts about 200,000 visitors each year.
Patrons may experience the technologies of American life throughout the museum. First, they may peruse an exhibition gallery with miniature trains, china pieces, clocks and the Mount Clare Station center.
Next is the roundhouse, home to some of the museum?s trains. There is a passenger-car shop, two platforms of trains to view and walk through, and a miniature train garden. In addition, there is a restoration facility and museum store.
There have been growing pains, however.
A 2003 snowstorm caused the collapse of half of the roundhouse roof. Following an extensive 18-month renovation, Maitland said, he now views the event not as a tragedy but as “the rebirth of the entire museum.”
As a result, the museum “expanded what we do and [reaches] out to new audiences,” said Courtney Wilson, executive director of the museum.
“We are still stressing technology, but [its effect] on American life.”
Seasonal train rides run Tuesday through Sunday.
IF YOU GO
» WHAT: Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum
» WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays
» WHERE: 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore City
» ADMISSION: $14 for adults; $12 for seniors 60 and older; $8 for children ages 2 to 12; and free for children under 2.
» INFO: 410-752-2490 or borail.org
