Preserving, protecting, and promoting Montgomery County’s rich architectural heritage and historic landscapes.
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Spring Calendar
Saturday, April 1
Two special free events not to miss at Silver Spring Station Open House, 10 am-2 pm
Railroad Series Postage Stamp Unveiling and Make a Train Arts & Crafts Project
Family-friendly programs; Bring your Inner Child
11 am – Railroad Station Series Commemorative Stamp unveiling
The U.S. Postal Service will officially unveil its Railroad Stations Forever stamp series at a special ceremony, followed by sales of stamps and commemorative covers. This event is hosted by MPI and the B&O The Met 150th anniversary committee.
Immediately following — Hands-On Arts and Crafts with Mr. Rodriquez
We will be talking trains and metro, also will be crafting a train! Please bring a regular sized (empty!) shoe box, if possible. We’ll provide the crayons and other craft supplies. Reemberto Rodriquez is a grandfather of two who lives in Silver Spring, where he formerly served as Regional Area Director and now continues community work. He is a life-long artist-want-to-be, always looking to learn and improve.
Note: If winter weather threatens cancellation, phone 301-495-4915 or see MPI Facebook
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.
Congratulations to our 2021 Historic Preservation Awardees!
Learn more at our 2021 Awards Page
NOMINATE a remarkable person, project, or group for a 2022 Preservation Award! Access nomination form HERE
Event Rentals
The station is again available to schedule your special event. Submit your rental request and questions via rentals@montgomerypreservation.org
150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE
METROPOLITAN BRANCH OF THE
BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD
Communities and volunteers along the rail line have united to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Metropolitan Branch of the B & O Railroad Company, which in 1873 began service that forever changed the lives of Montgomery Countians. Watch this space for railroad themed events, activities, programs, speakers — building up to the anniversary month of May 2023 and beyond.
To add context to the fun, the B&O 150th planning committee offers presentations for your group’s edification and enjoyment. Any of these PowerPoint presentations can be scheduled through the Germantown Historical Society at germantownmdhistory@gmail.com
- From Corn to Commuters: How the Coming of the Railroad Changed the Way of Life and the Future of Montgomery County
- Viaducts, Trestles and Bridges: Magnificent Structures of the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad
- Architect E. F. Baldwin and Station Houses on the Metropolitan Branch of the B&O Railroad
Descriptions of each presentation and presenting historian and author Susan Cooke Soderberg may be found here
Thanks to Heritage Montgomery, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, and Montgomery County Government for funding this grassroots effort coordinated by MPI
MPI Fall 2022 Newsletter is out now!
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!