Mayor Brandon M. Scott will be one of the featured guest readers at the B&O Railroad Museum’s Read Across America celebration on Sunday, March 1 and Monday, March 2, and on those days museum admission will be free for all children 12 years and under.
The Read Across America celebration at the B&O Railroad Museum will bring together prominent Maryland leaders, media personalities, and community members for two days of storytelling and family fun in the museum’s historic Roundhouse. In addition to Scott, children can hear stories read by Gov. Wes Moore’s mother, Joy; WJZ News anchor Janay Reece; poet and artist Wordsmith; and more.
National Education Association’s Read Across America (RAA) is the country’s biggest yearly celebration of reading. It takes place on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, which is March 2, and continues year-round to inspire children to develop a love of books. The initiative was established in 1998, with the goal of encouraging readers of all ages to explore the vast and diverse universe of reading through engaging activities and programs.
At the B&O Railroad Museum’s two-day celebration, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, families can enjoy half-hour story times led by special guests, a new reader taking the stage every 30 minutes. Children may even recognize some of them from their TV screens! The readers will share beloved children’s books in one of Baltimore’s most iconic historic spaces.
In addition to story times, there will be themed swag giveaways and an interactive “book tasting” experience designed to spark curiosity and excitement about reading.
On Monday, there will be complimentary book giveaways while supplies last. Children might walk away with a copy of “Pete the Cat’s Train Trip” by Kimberly Dean and James Dean, “Mel Fell” by Corey R. Tabor, or “The Gardener” by Sarah Stewart.
“Reading opens doors to imagination, opportunity, and lifelong learning,” said Kris Hoellen, executive director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “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.”
Here is the schedule of readers, so families can plan their days accordingly:
Sunday, March 1
- 10:30 a.m.: Joy Moore, Children’s Advocate and Mother of Maryland Governor Wes Moore
- 11 a.m.: Roz Kreizenbeck, Director of Education & Interpretation at the Walters Art Museum
- 11:20 a.m.: Caite Debevec, Learning & Visitor Experience Director at Port Discovery
- 11:40 a.m.: Emma Snyder, Owner of The Ivy Bookshop
- Noon: Alex Parker, WBFF Reporter
- 12:30 p.m.: Joyce A. Robinson, Railroad Engineer and Author
- 1 p.m.: Carole Boston Weatherford, Caldecott Award-Winning Author
- 1:30 p.m.: Sammie Samuels, Director of the Irish American Museum
- 2 p.m.: Jay Shanahan, Museum Educator at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 2:30 p.m.: Peggy Koenig, Education Specialist at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 3 p.m.: Sam Hughes, Education Director at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 3:30 p.m.: Jay Shanahan, Museum Educator at the B&O Railroad Museum
Monday, March 2
- 10:30 a.m.: Megan Knight, WMAR News Anchor
- 11 a.m.: Wordsmith, Multidisciplinary Artist
- 11:30 a.m.: Lesley Mason, Children’s Services Manager at Enoch Pratt
- Noon: Mayor of Baltimore City Brandon Scott
- 12:30 p.m.: Janay Reece, WJZ Anchor
- 1 p.m.: Tiffany “Lady T” Watson, WBFF Bmore Lifestyle Host
- 1:30 p.m.: Danielle Harris, Director of Community Relations at University of Maryland at Baltimore
- 2 p.m.: Kerry Watson, Executive Vice President of Orioles Public Affairs
- 2:30 p.m.: Joyce A. Robinson, Railroad Engineer and Author
- 3 p.m.: Sam Hughes, Education Director at the B&O Railroad Museum
- 3:30 p.m.: Jay Shanahan, Museum Educator at the B&O Railroad Museum
All activities are included with regular Museum admission, which ranges from $12-$20, and on these days children 12 and under are free. The B&O Railroad Museum is also a proud partner for Museums for All and offers $1 admission for guests showing a SNAP/EBT card.
The B&O Railroad Museum is located at 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, and has free on-site parking.
