Western Maryland Railway Historical Society
Announcement:
02-19-2024 - Manor Mill Gallery, located in Monkton, MD. is a 1740’s grist mill turned into an art hub for the region of northern Baltimore County, around the corner from the Monkton RR Station. We are hosting a train-themed fine art exhibition titled "Trains: A Journey Through Time" with an Opening Reception with the exhibiting artists on Saturday, March 9, 3-6PM.

We are also hosting a special "Train Day" event where we will have two model train sets onsite, 5 speakers on various train/railroad related topics, some exhibitor booths, art demos, and more! This special event will be held on Saturday, March 30, from12-5PM. details...
Announcement:
03-14-2024 - What; National Train day 2024, Where; Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum Complex, The Train Station at 41 North Main Street, Union Bridge, MD. When: Saturday, May 11th 2024, Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Open to all ages.(Free Admission) Come out to this special Saturday open house to celebrate the National Train Day and celebrate the joy of trains and train travel! Come see the history of the Western Maryland Railway both in Carroll County and the state of Maryland. The Museum collection is housed in a 122 year old Railroad Station and office building. See trains from full size ones to small model trains of all sizes scales.
Our own Carroll County based Maryland Midland Railroad may have a locomotive on display. There may also be displays of equipment (weather permitting) from the “Chesapeake & Allegheny Steam Preservation Society” There will be a Child ID Program table setup. The ID Kit allows parents to collect specific information by easily recording the physical characteristics and finger prints of their children on identification cards that they keep at home. If ever needed this ID Kit will give authorities vital information to help locate a missing child. There will be a Hot Dog stand. Phone 410-775-0150 museum, 410-857-4979 for information. Email: Wmrhs1@verizon.net details...

A History of Pride and Performance

western maryland railroad In the 125 years of its operation as an independent railroad the Western Maryland built a reputation as a truly "Fast Freight Line." From the laborers on the docks at Port Covington to the top brass, Western Maryland people were noted for their skill in the transportation field and the pride that showed in every aspect of their work. Today, the WM is a fond memory, its remnants serving as important links in the CSX Transportation chain plus various shortline railroads. Its memory survives, however, in the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society, Inc.

The Society

The Western Maryland Railway Historical Society was founded in 1967 for the purpose of preserving a portion of America's rich railroad history. We do this by providing programs for community organizations, publishing educational materials drawn from our collection, supporting activities related to railroading, and by making historical records available to groups and individuals researching railroad history. With the cooperation of the Western Maryland Railway, the Society established a Museum in Union Bridge in the buildings that once served as the station, the company's main offices and express shed. The entire complex was built in 1902. The WMRHS is not affiliated with CSX, its predecessors or the Genessee & Wyoming Railroad (Maryland Midland Railway) in any way.


 :  : Dave Hughes photo

The Museum

The Western Maryland Railway Historical Society is one of the few organizations of its kind to own and operate its own museum. This affords members and the public alike the unique opportunity to enjoy and study our collection to its best advantage. It also serves as a focal point for Society activities and events.

The Museum complex houses our extensive collection of WM artifacts and memorabilia, a voluminous photo archive, archival material directly from the Western Maryland Railway, and an extensive railroader's library featuring historical and technical publications about the WM and other roads of the region. Major exhibits include the callers boards from Hagerstown, Md., and Ridgeley, W.Va., and the CTC panel for most of the Lurgan Subdivision.

Integral parts of the organization are model railroad layouts. A permanent N-scale layout, which represents the Union Bridge to the Twin Bridges (west of Thurmont) section of the East Subdivision of the Western Maryland Railway in the 1950s, is housed in the Museum. There is also a 4 x 16 foot HO scale layout on display in the depot building.

The organization also supports the modular group's HO-scale layout. This group has built and continues to build numerous interconnected modules depicting scenes along the former Western Maryland Railway. The modular group represents the Society at train shows and certain Society and community events. The layout can be as large as 30 x 70 feet.

The Museum is open to the public Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed for lunch 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), and by appointment. Tour groups are also welcome, with at least 30 days advance notice. To arrange a time, call 410-775-0150 and leave a message, or write the Society at WMRHS, P.O.Box 395, Union Bridge, MD 21791-0395.


 :  : Dave Hughes photo

Donations

Donations of railroad oriented items are always welcomed and may be tax deductable. Items may also be loaned to the Society by arrangement with the board of directors. Write to the Society for more information.

Russ Wilcox photo

Western Maryland Railway Historical Society
410-775-0150 email
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