BALTIMORE STREETCAR MUSEUM

1901 Falls Rd.
410-547-0264
www.baltimoremd.com/streetcar/

HOURS:
Jan.--Nov., Sundays, Noon to 5pm;
June--Oct., Saturdays and Sundays, Noon to 5pm.
Call info line above for December hours and special events.

ADMISSION:
$4.00 admission for the Visitor’s Center exhibits, tours of the carhouse, and unlimited rides on historic streetcars.

The Baltimore Streetcar Museum is a non-profit museum dedicated to the preservation of Baltimore’s street railway era. This museum has some neat historical facts and displays to offer visitors who are interested. For example, during the period of World War I, most major cities -- including Baltimore -- suffered labor shortages. And therefore, for the first time in its history, the United Railways and Electric Company hired women as conductors to work on the cars to replace the men who had gone off to fight. Such women were known as conductorettes.

As you can probably see, the Streetcar Museum is the perfect place for visitors to find all the information they could possibly handle about Baltimore’s railway systems. However, this place is really geared toward those who have a profound interest in railways and streetcars. In other words, there are far better places to go if you’re trying to kill time.

The Museum’s Visitor’s Center is designed similar to the old streetcar terminals and includes several displays that capture life in the days of Baltimore streetcars. Also available is a short film -- Rails Into Yesterday -- outlining the history and significance of Baltimore railways. In addition, you are provided with unlimited rides aboard an old streetcar whereby you can view artifacts of Baltimore’s past, including over a dozen restored vehicles.

The museum hosts large group tours during regular hours; special group tours are available at other than regular hours by prior arrangement; as well as facility rentals (call for reservations or information). The museum can be reached somewhat feasibly by the M.T.A. Bus and M.T.A. Light Rail, but best by private vehicle. If traveling in your own vehicle: find Charles Street, head north to Lafayette Ave., turn left, head west to Lanvale St., then head north on Lanvale to Museum. -- Michael Rando