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
Gathering to Dine Amidst History at the B&O Museum Roundhouse
Baltimore Chapter members had the unique opportunity to dine amidst history at their annual banquet in the roundhouse of the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the museum, gave members the first glimpse of the plans for the renovation and reuse of the South Car Shop…
Baltimore Chapter Holds First Holiday Gathering
The Baltimore Chapter, NRHS, held its first Holiday Gathering on December 12th at The Trolley Stop in Ellicott City, Md.
Annual Baltimore Chapter Picnic – August 5
Don’t miss our annual picnic on August 5th with great food and streetcar rides…
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: