B&O Railroad Museum Unveils Restored National Icon to Kick Off America250

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BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 12, 2026--

The B&O Railroad Museum unveiled the restored American Freedom Train No. 1 (AFT No. 1) today, the locomotive that pulled the American Freedom Train during the U.S. Bicentennial, presenting the legendary locomotive as a gift to the nation to kick off the America250 celebration. Once a centerpiece of the 1976 Bicentennial, the locomotive has been restored to serve as a modern symbol of national unity.

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The American Freedom Train No. 1, which toured the country during the U.S. Bicentennial, is now on permanent display at the B&O Railroad Museum after a cosmetic restoration.

The unveiling ceremony included remarks from The Honorable Martin O’Malley, former two-term Governor of Maryland, representing the Maryland 250 Commission. He reflected on the Freedom Train’s enduring power to connect Americans through shared history and the fact that the railroad was Maryland’s gift to the nation. Bruno Maestri, Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications for Amtrak and B&O Railroad Museum Board Member, spoke about rail’s impact on the history of the country. The program culminated in a ribbon cutting to officially debut the restored locomotive.

As the American Freedom Train No. 1 was revealed, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner’s song “Here Comes the Freedom Train” filled the Roundhouse, stirring memories of the train’s original journey and its impact on millions of Americans. The moment was made even more meaningful by the presence of original engineers from the 1975–76 Freedom Train, who returned to stand beside the locomotive they once guided across the nation.

“The American Freedom Train and the locomotive that pulled it, the AFT No. 1, were a touring museum carrying artifacts representing the best of our country,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “Today, we are honoring this great nation and the mode of transportation that made the Freedom Train possible – the railroad, which is celebrating 200 years in 2027. The AFT No. 1 serves as a bridge connecting these two important anniversaries.”

The AFT No. 1 was one of three locomotives that pulled the American Freedom Train, a traveling exhibition that brought over 500 pieces of Americana to 7 million Americans during the U.S. Bicentennial in 1975-76. Now, after a meticulous cosmetic restoration, it will stand as a permanent symbol of national unity.

The Honorable Martin O’Malley, former Governor of Maryland, spoke about the sentiment of connection: “Maryland is proud to be the home of this national treasure. By preserving the AFT No. 1, we are preserving the memories of millions of Americans and reinforcing the unity of our state and country.”

The MD Two Fifty Commission was created by an executive order from Governor Wes Moore to plan, encourage, and execute an inclusive state-wide commemoration of the 250th in Maryland. The B&O Railroad Museum is an official partner of the America250 Commission.

The public is invited to view the locomotive and the corresponding new exhibit starting at 1 p.m. today; the newly cosmetically restored AFT No. 1 will be on permanent display at the Museum. The restoration was supported in part by a federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

About the B&O Railroad Museum

The B&O Railroad Museum, located in Baltimore, Md., is the birthplace of American railroading, a National Historic Landmark, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, and a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American life, socially, culturally and economically. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, over 30 million archival documents, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse as well as the first mile of commercial railroad track ever laid in America. The Museum welcomes guests annually from all 50 states and 40 countries. For more information about the Museum, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org. For more information about America 250 at the B&O Railroad Museum, please visit borail.events/America250. For more information on the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, please visit www.americanrail200.org.

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CONTACT: Media Contact:

Stephanie Jayakanthan

B & O Railroad Museum

[email protected]

520-233-3947

KEYWORD: MARYLAND UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CHILDREN FAMILY RAIL CONSUMER TRANSPORT ARTS/MUSEUMS OTHER CONSUMER ENTERTAINMENT

SOURCE: B&O Railroad Museum

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PUB: 01/12/2026 11:30 AM/DISC: 01/12/2026 11:30 AM

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