Station Open House: The History of the Georgetown Branch

Station Open House: The History of the Georgetown Branch explores the colorful past of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Georgetown Branch. The 11.5-mile line ran from just west of Silver Spring across Rock Creek, through Chevy Chase and Bethesda, and along the Potomac palisades into Georgetown. Operating from 1892 through 1985, the branch included a tall trestle, a tunnel, and stretches of industrial street running.

Ben Sullivan will present the line’s history through rare photographs, historic maps, and stories from its 93-year run. The program covers the industries served by the railroad, including cement plants, lumber yards, fuel dealers, three power plants, and a Frito factory. Visitors can also enjoy train spotting and waving to engineers, a model railroad layout, a toy train play set, railroad photographs and memorabilia, and an opportunity to wear and show off a favorite train-related outfit.

When: November 7, 2026

Showtimes: The open house runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; the Georgetown Branch presentation begins at 12:30 p.m.

Presenter: Ben Sullivan

Tickets: Free admission

Venue: Silver Spring Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station

Address: 8100 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Accessibility: No accessibility information is currently available.