Paper Flashlight Workshop - National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

An Invention that Changed the Nation

Did you know that the first official telegraph message was received at the current location of the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation on May 24, 1844? Learn more about Samuel Morse and how the telegraph revolutionized communication at one of our scheduled activities:

Activity

Learn to communicate in Morse Code using paper flashlights! Participants will learn about how circuits and polarity work during this activity.

Memorial Day

Storytime and Craft

May 25, 2026 @ 10:30 AM

Enjoy a read aloud of Jackrabbit McCabe and the Electric Telegraph by Lucy Margaret Rozier. Afterwards, color your own Maryland flag.

Paper Flashlight Workshop

May 25, 2026 @ 10 AM-4 PM

Learn to communicate in Morse Code using paper flashlights! Participants will learn about how circuits and polarity work during this activity.

Morse Code Workshop

May 25, 2026 @ 10 AM-4 PM

Learn about the connection between Samuel Morse’s telegraph and the B&O. Next, decode your own name in Morse Code and create a bracelet.

Upcoming Events at the Museum

Unlocked: Behind-the-scenes Tours

Sensory Sundays

Unlocked: American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1

Toddler Time

Unlocked: American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1

Unlocked Series

Behind-the-scenes tours

Learn More

See the newly No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car

Now on display in the Roundhouse

Learn More

See the newly Restored AFT-1

Now on display on Platform 2

Learn More

WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:

© 2026 National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation.