Preserving Baltimore’s rich railway history
and ensuring railway enthusiasm thrives into its future.
Formed in 1936, the Baltimore Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) is the third oldest NRHS chapter in the country. We are proud to be an active part of the Baltimore rail enthusiast community, both preserving railroad history and enjoying today’s railroad scene. Follow railway news, events and information from the chapter by liking and following us below.
News from the Chapter
Annual BBQ Draws Crowd for Good Food and Fun
The Baltimore Chapter NRHS held our annual BBQ at the Baltimore Streetcar Museum – one of our best-attended events in years.
May Meeting Presentation – The Northeast Corridor: The Trains, the People, the History, the Region
Our May chapter meeting will feature a presentation from SUNY-Buffalo professor David Alff about his new book, The Northeast Corridor: The Trains, the People, the History, the Region…
Track Repairs to America’s First Mile of Railroad Track Underway
Rail operations at the B&O Railroad Museum were suspended on February 26 while the museum awaited supplies to replace 100 ties and 400 feet of rail for safety. Train rides continue to be popular with museum visitors. In 2023, the museum ran 450 trains for an estimated 49,600 paying passengers.
Railway History Expertise
MD Rail Heritage Library
The Library houses thousands of books on railroad and transit technology and history, as well as tens of thousands of periodical issues, photographs, slides, blueprints and drawings, company publications, videos, movies and more.
Speakers for Classrooms & Events
Want to host an interesting speaker about the role trains have played in our nation’s history and many of its most pivotal moments? Contact us to invite one our chapter members to speak.
Online Photography Library
We have high quality, beautiful historical and modern images of trains available for purchase/licensing. Contact us for access to our online library of photographs.
Yesteryear
to today’s rails
Since
1827
On February 28, 1827, Maryland merchants and bankers came together to charter the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad.
The oldest railroad in the United States, the B&O Railroad connected over thirteen states with rail lines. This railroad was the first common carrier line in the country, transporting passengers and goods for a fee. The B&O railroad was revolutionary for its time, crossing numerous rivers and laying tracks on undeveloped land; in total, the railroad spanned 4,535 miles. It also played a crucial role in the Civil War, as the Union used the lines to ship supplies to hundreds of its troops across various states. The B&O company operated from 1828-1987 — a total of 159 years. Source: Preservation Maryland
Maryland Teens
Love Trains? Need SSL hours for graduation? We can offer real-world experience at the B&O Museum Restoration Shop working on trains and track.
Teens can also experience visits to excursion RRs, in-class learning about the role of RRs in our history and the future of rail careers.
How about a RR Career?
We all love the history of trains and the exciting lives of those who worked on the rail. But what does a Rail Career look like TODAY? With LOTS of different job types and a variety of talents needed, a career with one of the rail companies might be a perfect fit for you.
Check out local career openings at Amtrak: