Preserving, protecting, and promoting Montgomery County’s rich architectural heritage and historic landscapes.
150th Anniversary
150th Anniversary of The Met TRAIN EXCURSION on May 29
On Monday, May 29, a special 150th anniversary train will take riders past historic stations and railroad communities. The route is from Silver Spring to Brunswick and return. Ticketed passengers may board at Silver Spring, Kensington, Garrett Park, Rockville, Gaithersburg, or Germantown.
Trip Advisory (Updated May 26th):
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!
Detailed excursion information — including train schedule, boarding locations, handicap access, Brunswick map and information, and more — is on a separate page to be viewed HERE.
The map of Brunswick shows the Heritage Museum and restaurant options in the town, all within walking distance of the train stop. Riders have the option of bringing their lunch or eating at one of the Brunswick establishments that are being specially opened for us on this holiday.
This event is co-sponsored by Heritage Montgomery and MPI in partnership with nonprofit history and preservation organizations along The Met line.
The Met 150th Celebration Calendar
May 14 – June 15 Train StoryWalk® www.kensingtonhistory.org
May 25 – 29 “Explore Rockville” B&O-themed self-guided Tour & Scavenger Hunt
May 29 Celebration @ Kensington Train Station www.kensingtonhistory.org
May 29 Train Excursion on The Met, Silver Spring to Brunswick & Back 11 am–5 pm; tickets required
Ongoing Events:
-150th The Met banners posted at historic railroad stations in Montgomery County
-B&O 150th The Met talks by Susan Soderberg available for scheduling, April through June
-Library exhibits at Kensington Park, Rockville, & Germantown – the month of May
-Window exhibit at Historic Takoma, with large-scale map of The Met line & photos of extant stations
B&O STATION SAFETY MEASURES
Montgomery Preservation continues to prioritize the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and guests, with social distancing and a masking policy that follows CDC and Montgomery County rules. Anyone inside the building must wear a mask in consideration for vulnerable patrons and staff. Masking is optional outdoors.
Event Rentals
The station is again available to schedule your special event. Submit your rental request and questions via rentals@montgomerypreservation.org
Communities and volunteers along the rail line are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad, which in 1873 began service that forever changed the lives of Montgomery Countians. Watch this space for railroad themed events, activities, programs, speakers — before, during, and beyond the anniversary month of May 2023.
To add context to the fun, The Met 150th planning committee offers presentations for your group. Any of these PowerPoint presentations can be scheduled through the Germantown Historical Society at germantownmdhistory@gmail.com
- From Corn to Commuters: How the Railroad Changed Montgomery County
- Viaducts, Trestles and Bridges: Magnificent Structures of The Met branch
- Architect E. F. Baldwin and Station Houses on The Met Branch
See descriptions of each presentation and historian Susan Cooke Soderberg here
Touring Harriet Tubman Statue at Button Farm April 2-May 30
A breathtaking 9ft tall statue of Maryland native Harriet Tubman continues its national tour with a stop at Button Farm Living History Center in Germantown. Guided tours and other programming along with scheduled viewings of the statue are part of the farm’s “Journey to Freedom” programming. April 2-May 30. Register and information @ www.buttonfarm.org
USPS Railroad Station Stamp series Delivered Right on Time
Historic Preservation in Montgomery County
Open House at the Station
MPI Open House programs at the Silver Spring B&O Railroad station the first Saturday of each month from 10 am – 2 pm.
This is a drop-in program for families. Admission is free. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
MPI will keep close watch on COVID numbers to determine on a month-by-month basis whether in-person public programs can be presented.
Please return to this webpage for updates.
In accordance with Montgomery County public policy, mask-wearing indoors is optional.
While we feel that the wearing of masks indoors is still beneficial, we are leaving that decision to our individual visitors.
Silver Spring B&O Station
The historic train station is a beloved historic landmark and a community resource. After a disastrous car accident that severely damaged the station’s main facade in 1997, MPI rescued the station and, with assistance from private and public sources, restored it to its 1945 appearance. Today this museum of 20th century rail history regularly welcomes visitors, meetings, celebrations, and the general public.
The station is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is designated on the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation, and is protected by an easement held by the Maryland Historical Trust. Visit the Silver Spring B&O Railroad Station tab for more detailed information about station history, open houses, and rentals.
Getting Started?
New to historic preservation or to how it works in Montgomery County? Visiting and learning about Montgomery County’s bountiful historic sites is a great way to start. Getting involved with any of the groups that share your interest in local historic places is the next step. Do you prefer Victorian homes, African American history, former schoolhouses, public buildings, Modernist architecture, rural cemeteries, or transportation history? Montgomery County has them all!
You can sample local history at Montgomery County Heritage Days. Check out individual groups and historic sites on the RESOURCES section of this website. And please return here to follow the (future) link to help you get started in Historic Preservation in Montgomery County!