Former Ambassador, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia & Author Visits the B&O Railroad Museum

On Sunday, June 2, 2013, Museum Director Courtney Wilson was delighted to receive a visit from the Honorable Tim Fischer at the B&O in Baltimore. Tim, a fellow international patron, along with Mr. Wilson, to the World Association of Tourist Trams and Trains, was the Australia Ambassador to the Vatican for more than three years. Ambassador Fischer was honored to be named Companion of the Order of Australia in 2005, Australia's highest civilian honor, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2005. He was Deputy Prime Minister of Australia from 1996-1999. Courtney Wilson and Tim Fischer met for the first time in Leeds, England last year and became very good friends.

Mr. Fischer is also a world authority on heritage railway preservation and high speed rail. He is visiting the United States to do presentations on high speed rail projects in Australia before the American Public Transportation Association's annual meeting in Philadelphia this week. In addition to having his own radio program on CBS in Australia The Great Train Show, Mr. Fischer is the author of the book, Trains Unlimited in the 21st Century (Harper Collins, 2011). In the book Tim Fischer names the B&O Railroad Museum among the greatest railway museums in the world.

June 2013 Volunteer of the Month

JUNE 2013 VOLUNTEERS  OF THE MONTH

 Serena & George White

The B&O Railroad Museum is pleased to recognize George and Serena as the June 2013 Volunteers of the Month.  George and Serena are one of our married couples who both volunteer at the museum. George works with the G scale outdoor model train layout crew and helps with other on-site jobs with facilities when needed. Serena is one of the ladies who assist with Toddler Time. She assists Tiffany  Shaw and Liz Otey  when it comes to providing fun and educational activities for young railroad lovers. She enjoys dressing up for the museum’s annual Toddler Time Halloween  & Costume Parade too. We thank George & Serena for their constant dedication and work at the museum. Thank you for sharing your time, talents, kindness, and love for history. We are so fortunate to have you on our team! We could not do it without you!

MAY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

The B&O Railroad Museum is pleased to recognize Richard Hill as the May 2013 Volunteer of the Month. Richard is one of our newer volunteers but he has been a great addition to our volunteer team. He works with our facility department assisting in any way that is needed. He has also taken over the big task of up keep in our gardens around the Luther G. Smith Plaza and the Choo Choo Blueville kiddie train ride. He is currently finishing up his classes to become a master gardener.

Richard, thank you for sharing your time, talents, kindness, and love for history. We are so fortunate to hae you on our team. We could not do it without you

Day out with Thomas - FAQ's answered!

We've compiled a list of the most common questions we get regarding our Thomas event. If you have any others, please leave a comment and we'll be happy to answer! 

What time should we arrive? 

Plan to arrive at least an hour ahead of the time listed on your ticket (that is your train ride time). Please remember to allow time for traffic, parking, and admission. If you miss your designated train ride time, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to take a later ride. We do all we can to accommodate all visitors but must respect those visitors that have a reserved train ride. If there is room we will try to fit you on a later ride.

I know the Museum closes to set up - which days are you closed?

We are CLOSED to the public on the following days for Thomas set-up, breakdown etc:
Thursday April 25
Monday April 29
Monday May 6

How much does Day out with Thomas cost?

Tickets to DOWT are $19 ages 2 and up. This INCLUDES admission to the museum. You do not have to pay a separate admission fee for the museum. On-site admission (no train ride) is $16 for ages 2 and up.

This is our first Thomas event. What should we expect?

FUN!! This event is all about family fun. The Museum is turned upside down to bring you as many activities as we can possibly fit on our campus! From the real, live Thomas that you ride behind to pony rides, interactive story-telling, petting zoo and much more - the activities are endless! A small sample of what we have to offer: midway games, crafts, live entertainment on our main stage by Middle Earth Storytelling, Choo Choo Blue story time, model trains, photos with Sir Topham Hatt & Thomas the Tank Engine!


What if it rains?
This event is rain or shine! Though we have our fingers crossed for sunny days!


Can we take our stroller on the train ride?
Strollers are NOT permitted on the train ride. There is a designated "Stroller  Parking" area right before your board the train. 

 Are there food concessions?
 Yes. But please no picnicking during this event. 

 Is there parking?
 Yes and it is FREE!!

 I have more questions, who can I call?  
You can call the B&O Railroad Museum at 410-752-2490 or visit the Day Out With Thomas FAQ webpage at www.borail.org/DOWT-faq.aspx.

 

APRIL 2013 VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH

The B&O Railroad Museum's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held on the evening of March 21 in the Roundhouse. The museum recognizes all of its volunteers as April's Volunteer of the Month. Without their dedication and time, the museum could not operate and provide the wonderful events and daily programs. They help in every area of the museum from greeting guests, to giving guided tours, and operating locomotives. They help with equipment restoration and work in the archives. Many volunteers were recognized for their excellent service over the past year. Jack Walsh was awarded Unsung Hero of the Year and Steve Krukiel received the Life Time Acheivement Award. Thanks to all of you for sharing your time, talents, kindness, and love of history. We are fortunate to have you on our team!

WALKING (AND TALKING) CARROLL MANSION & PARK
Sunday, April 28
1pm-4pm
$35 per ticket
Escorted by Myra Brosius and Gloria Pestridge
Few people know this Baltimore treasure: the Carroll Mansion of the Charles Carroll family (the oldest colonial Georgian-style structure in the city,) surrounded by Carroll Park (once part of the extensive plantation, one of the area's largest landholdings at the time.) This tour explores this 1760s historic landmark with its authentic furnishings and traces the 250 years of the estate's rich history from the plantation era through the period of industrialization and urbanization to the acquisition of the property in 1890 to become the city's third-oldest municipal country landscape park. In the early 20th century the landscape firm of the Olmsted Brothers envisioned the 70 acres as a well-designed community park, respecting its history, but also integrating health-promoting recreational facilities. With community input these concepts are being pursued and adapted for today's active use under the guidance of the 2001 master plan. This tour is sponsored by the Friends of Maryland's Olmsted Parks & Landscapes, and is lead by landscape experts who generously volunteer their services.

Note: Meet at Mount Clare Mansion Museum House, accessed by the Carroll Park at 1500 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21230. Parking is along the upper roadways and parking lot near the mansion. The mansion has no elevators to the three second-floor rooms. Carroll Park has level and gradual inclines on asphalt paths and roadways. Comfortable shoes recommended. Tour is rain or shine. No refunds.

To purchase tickets, contact Roland Park Country School Office of External Programs at 410-323-5500 x 3091.

March 2013  
Volunteer of the Month: John Rose

The B&O is losing one of its best and most knowledgeable volunteers this month. We would like to thank and recognize John Rose as the March 2013 Volunteer of the Month.

John joined us in 2008 and quickly showed his knowledge and love for railroading. He is a regular docent on Mondays and Fridays. Along with this, he is also one of our conductors for our train ride on Fridays and any of our big events such as Steam Days and Day Out With Thomas. His is moving to Louisiana so the commute to volunteer is a little too much.

John, thank you for sharing your time, talents, kindness, and love for history.   We are so fortunate to have you on our team! You will always be a part of our family and always welcome here. We are glad you chose to volunteer and share your time with us.