American Freedom Tour

Now beautifully restored, the AFT No. 1 stands ready once again to inspire all who believe in the enduring spirit of freedom and progress. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to step inside the cab!

Discover the powerful intersection of American history and the rise of railroading. Uncover how the railroad opened the door to freedom: freedom to prosper, freedom to explore, and freedom to pursue a new life.

In celebration of Black History Month, the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation unveils the newly restored Baltimore & Ohio Railroad No. 3316 “Washington,” a 1949 observation tavern car that represents the height of luxury rail travel and honors the African American railroad workers—especially Pullman Porters—who made that experience possible.

In honor of Black History Month, we are unveiling the newly restored B&O No. 3316 observation lounge car!

We are re-unlocking the AFT No.1 in honor of Independence Day! The cosmetically restored “T-Hog” was just placed on display in January of this year. If you missed your chance to see it then, now is the time to check it out!

Celebrate the inventors and engineers who helped build America! Explore the science, stories, and cool inventions that powered America’s railroads.

Discover the powerful intersection of American history and the rise of railroading. Uncover how the railroad opened the door to freedom: freedom to prosper, freedom to explore, and freedom to pursue a new life.

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

On this tour we will uncover the story behind the first-time trains were used in warfare: the American Civil War.

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.

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

On this tour we will explore the history of the Underground Railroad using experiences of 27 documented freedom seekers who have interacted with the B&O Railroad on their journey to freedom.

This tour will explore the unique history of working for the railroad in America and the evolution of worker rights from the 19th to the 20th centuries, with particular focus on the employees of the B&O Railroad.

This tour will examine how Maryland before 1827 became an ideal location for the B&O Railroad and as a result how the B&O Railroad has continued to contribute to the robust history of the state of Maryland.

Explore the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s involvement in global conflicts like the Civil War, World War I, and World War II on this engaging and exciting tour of our historic collection.