The Hays T. Watkins Research Library is dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading. The bulk of our holdings document the history of the B&O Railroad from its beginnings in 1827 to the 1970s, which place the history of the B&O in the broad context of social, cultural, political, and economic trends in the United States of America.
Below, learn about submitting research requests and the services available to researchers in the Hays T. Watkins Research Library.
Research Requests
The Hays T. Watkins Research Library is open to visiting researchers by appointment only. Researchers visiting the Library only are not charged admission to the museum.
Please complete the Researcher Registration Form below or submit your request by email at Research@NationalRailroad.org.
Once your research registration form or email is received, you will be contacted about your project and scheduling an appointment. Appointments must be made at least one (1) week in advance. Please notify us if you need any special accommodations.
Services
Researchers may take advantage of the following services, which may be subject to a fee:
- Research (in-person or remotely)
- Reproductions of photographs, maps, or other documents.
- Use of collection materials in publication or exhibition.
Please contact the Library or complete the registration form to submit your service requests.
Fees & Policies
For information on fees and policies associated with research, reproduction, and use of our collection, please see our Schedule of Fees.
Researcher Registration Form
Please fill out and submit the form below.
If you have difficulties using the online form, please send your information by email to Research@NationalRailroad.org or by mail to:
National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation
Hays T. Watkins Research Library
901 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21223
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The Hays T. Watkins Research Library is dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading.
Learn more
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African American Railroading Oral Archives
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Researcher Registration Form
The Library is open to visiting researchers by appointment only. Fill out this form to register.
Research
The Hays T. Watkins Research Library is dedicated to the history and preservation of American railroading.
Learn more
Archives & Library Collections
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation’s archives and library are dedicated to the history and preservation of American…
Learn more
Employee Records Search
Have a relative who worked for the B&O Railroad during the 20th Century? Learn how you can access their records…
Learn more
African American Railroading Oral Archives
The African American Railroading Oral Archives, in partnership with Union Baptist Church, collects stories related to the experiences of African…
Learn more
B&O Railroad Relief Department Collection
The B&O Relief Department Collection contains the records of thousands of B&O employees who participated in the first employer-managed insurance…
Learn moreResearcher Registration Form
The Library is open to visiting researchers by appointment only. Fill out this form to register.
Learn more