B&O Railroad Museum's Read Across America weekend offers free children's admission

Mayor Brandon M. Scott will be among the featured guest readers as the B&O Railroad Museum transforms its historic Roundhouse into a rotating storytime stage for Read Across America weekend, running Sunday and Monday, March 1–2. From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, the museum is hosting half-hour story times with a new reader taking the stage every 30 minutes, and museum admission will be free for all children 12 years and under.

Kris Hoellen, executive director of the B&O Railroad Museum, framed the program around access and imagination, saying, "Reading opens doors to imagination, opportunity, and lifelong learning." Hoellen added, "We are proud to bring together leaders from across Maryland to celebrate literacy and inspire the next generation of readers. At the B&O, we believe stories — like railroads — connect us to new ideas, new places, and one another."

Families attending can expect themed swag giveaways and an interactive "book tasting" experience designed to spark curiosity and excitement about reading, with Monday’s programming including complimentary book giveaways on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum is marketing the initiative under its Read Across America Day tagline, "Reading is electric!"

Named readers listed for the two-day celebration include Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Joy, identified as Gov. Wes Moore’s mother, WJZ anchor Janay Reece, and poet and artist Wordsmith, alongside "prominent Maryland leaders, media personalities, and community members." The B&O’s publicity materials note a Schedule of Readers divided into Sunday, March 1 and Monday, March 2 slots, and the half-hour cadence is intended to keep a steady rotation of guest readers through the program window.

The museum ties the weekend to the National Education Association’s Read Across America campaign, noting the NEA program is the country’s biggest yearly celebration of reading, takes place on March 2, Dr. Seuss’s birthday, and was established in 1998 to encourage readers of all ages to explore diverse and inclusive stories. By waiving admission for children 12 and under and staging free book giveaways, the B&O is presenting the event as an access point for families who may face barriers to museum visits and book ownership.

Story times will be held in one of Baltimore’s most iconic spaces, the B&O Railroad Museum Roundhouse, with programming running daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Families who want to attend Monday’s complimentary book giveaways are advised that those items are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.