In honor of Black History Month, we are unveiling the newly restored B&O No. 3316 Pullman “Washington” Observation Tavern Car!
Observation cars like the Washington epitomized the height of luxury travel. The No. 3316 was placed at the end of the train to provide panoramic views. Passengers sat comfortably in this air-conditioned lounge, listening to recorded music and radio programs. A B&O Waiter-In-Charge would prepare and deliver drinks while Pullman Porters tended to those in the sleeping cars further up the train. Both Pullman and B&O service staff were predominately African American. These jobs were highly coveted, well respected, and credited with supporting the emergence of a Black middle class.
Exuding elegance and luxury, this car is notable for its streamlined, art deco design. Art deco combined fine craftsmanship, opulent materials, and bold geometric forms. Streamlining emerged from the art deco movement in the 1930s–40s and is defined by aerodynamic shapes, long horizontal lines, and nautical themes.
The interior and exterior restoration of this car was completed by museum staff in 2026. This project was made possible in part by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Baltimore National Heritage Area through the City of Baltimore general obligation bond program, and the National Railway Historical Society.
Tours:
Tours will be available between 10 AM – 4 PM.
Please note: This tour requires participants to climb stairs and walk on uneven pathways. A virtual tour will be available on-site via QR code. Docent Tour Guides stationed near the car can answer any additional questions about the history and physical description of the rail car. Small children must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.
Admission:
Included with Museum Admission. Museum Members FREE.
Black History Month at the B&O!
B&O 3316 "Washington" Observation Tavern Car Unveiling
February 21, 11 AM
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.
"From Slavery to Civil Rights" Public Tours
February 7, 11, 14, 18, 21 & 25, 11 AM
Explore the powerful history of African Americans on the railroad. From its earliest days, enslaved people helped build many of the country’s first railroads, especially in the South. Over time, the railroad played a role in the ongoing fight for African American equality—from the dark days of slavery and the Civil War, through segregation, and into the Civil Rights Movement. Using our rolling stock collection, we’ll trace the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of African Americans in railroading and reflect on their lasting impact on American history.
Storytime: "BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom"
February 16, 11 AM-Noon
Join us on President’s Day at the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation as we welcome award-winning children’s author Carole Boston Weatherford for a live reading of her powerful picture book BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom. This program invites families and young readers alike to explore history through storytelling- highlighting courage, resilience, and ingenuity of Freedom Seekers. Don’t miss the chance to hear directly from the author, ask questions, and deepen your connection to this moving true story.
Underground Railroad Monoprint Workshop
February 17, 10 AM-Noon
Learn about the significance and connection the Underground Railroad had in Maryland via the B&O Railroad. Then, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance painter Aaron Douglas, students will create monoprint illustrations making thematic connections to the Freedom Seekers who used the Underground Railroad.
B&O Unlocked: B&O No. 3316 "Washington" Observation Tavern Car
February 25 & 26, March 1, 10 AM-4 PM
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s annual Unlocked series returns—this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. In honor of Black History Month, we are unveiling the newly restored B&O No. 3316 observation lounge car – highlighting the great impacts railroading has had on Black history!
America 250: Unlocked
Celebrate America’s Story—One Railcar at a Time
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s annual Unlocked series returns—this year with a special tribute to America’s 250th anniversary. Each month, step inside a different piece of rail history and experience the stories that helped build a nation. In honor of this milestone, American Freedom Train No. 1 will be opened twice in 2026—January and July—offering a rare chance to celebrate the spirit of freedom and innovation that defines America’s rail legacy.
You’ll also have the opportunity to step inside the newly restored B&O No. 3316 “Washington” Observation Tavern Car.
Become a Museum Member and receive free admission for each collection piece. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the doors on these historic pieces!
Step inside the complete 2026 series!
American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1
January 24, 25, & 28
The AFT No. 1 toured the United States with the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train in celebration of the United States Bicentennial.
B&O No. 3316 Pullman “Washington” Observation Tavern Car
February 25, 28 & March 1
Used on the Capitol Limited and other premier B&O passenger trains in the mid-20th century, the No. 3316 “Washington” observation tavern car represented the pinnacle of luxury rail.
B&O No. 600 John C. Davis
March 18, 21 & 22
Produced by B&O Master of Machinery in 1875, the No. 600 was the first “Mogul” type railroad intended for passenger services, and the largest locomotive in the world at the time.
B&O No. CE-10 Electric Switcher
April 15, 18 & 19
The B&O No. CE-10 once traversed the sharp turns and narrow street of Fells Point. Put into service at the dawn of the 20th century, the fully-electric locomotive was a revolution in green technology.
B&O No. 21 Passenger Coach
May 20, 23 & 24
Built by the Wason Manufacturing Company in 1868, the B&O No. 21 resembles the daytime passenger coach used by civilians and military personnel during the Civil War.
MARC No. 7100
June 17, 20 & 21
Built by GM-EMD in 1951, the MARC No. 7100’s diesel engine was replaced with a “head-end-power plant” in 1980. Now operating as an Auxiliary Power Control Unit (APCU), the No. 7100 is used solely for powering a train’s electrical systems.
American Freedom Train (AFT) No. 1
July 4, 15, 18 & 19
The AFT No. 1 will be unlocked again in honor of the nation’s 250th Independence Day, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train.
C&O No. 490 Hudson
August 19, 22 & 23
Built by ALCO in 1926, the C&O No. 490 was one of the last passenger locomotives to operate on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Nicknamed the “Yellowbelly,” this “Hudson” type locomotive is recognized for its stylish streamlined body.
B&O No. 445 “Royal Blue Coach”
September 16, 19 & 20
Built by the Pullman Company c.1890, the B&O No. 445 passenger coach was rebuilt in 1927 to represent a car from the B&O’s flagship Royal Blue passenger train.
B&O No. 3528
October 21, 24 & 25
Built in 1923 and retired in 1983, the B&O No. 3528 heavyweight coach was the last commercial passenger car to service former-B&O lines.
B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins”
November 20, 21 & 22
Designed to traverse the steep Allegheny Mountains and unveiled in 1863, the B&O No. 147 “Thatcher Perkins” began its career pulling military trains for the Union Army.
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