BALTIMORE – The B&O Railroad Museum has obtained a $500,000 grant to cosmetically restore both the exterior and interior of the former Baltimore & Ohio Washington Pullman observation-tavern car No. 3316 built in 1949. The funds, to be matched 1:1 with other contributons come from the Federal Saving America’s Treasures program. That is a National Park Service grant program in collaboration with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts , and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Washington was a streamlined observation car with 17-seat observation area and a 24-seat tavern. Additionally, it has a beautiful cherry blossom mural near the cocktail lounge. The Washington and its sister Chicago were designed for the Columbian, which was a post-war Washington-Chicago overnight streamliner. The Columbian was an all-coach flagship that followed the route of the all-Pullman Capitol Limited. In 1961, the Washington became a part of the Capitol Limited. In 1971, the Washington was retired from service and was donated to the B&O Railroad Museum.
“It will be an important piece to our interpretative story (post WWII – pre-Civil Rights) as we prepare for the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027,” says Kris Hoellen, executive director for B&O Railroad Museum. “Arguably, it will be one of the most unique venue spaces in the area once restored.”
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