The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

Collections

The B&O No 51. The American Freedom Train. The Tom Thumb. The Mt. Clare Station. They’re all right here, where the birthplace of American railroading began.

Our Museum exhibits the oldest and most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world. 
From small objects that document the impact of B&O Railroad development to the locomotives that led while a nation followed, our collections tell the story of railroading’s past, present, and possible.

Our Collections

View the oldest and most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world.

Locomotives & Rolling Stock

Locomotives & Rolling Stock

Representing the most comprehensive collection of historic early American locomotives and rolling stock through modern…

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Railroading Objects & Artifacts

Railroading Objects & Artifacts

Home to more than 6,000 small objects, the collection covers almost every facet of railroading.

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Archives & Library

Archives & Library

Hays T. Watkins Research Library, dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading

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Restoration Shop

Restoration Shop

The Museum’s Restoration Facility

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Did you know?

Andrew Jackson, in 1833, rode on the B&O Railroad, becoming the first US president to ride a train.

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“Wonderful rail museum with many historic engines, passenger cars, mail car, troop transport, and more. Several models layouts including the Smithsonian collection of models which was amazing. Wonderful presentation on the underground railroad. We will visit again.”

Jeffery O.

Jeffery O.

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