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(rshsdepot) B&O Museum

> Can anyone provide an update on the progress of the repairs to the B&O
> Museum at Baltimore, any indication of an opening (re-opening) date?
> Does the museum publish a journal or magazine?

At the moment the roof is in the final stages of reconstruction.  They are
finishing the top of the cupola, and the top is waiting to be set into
position by crane atop the roof.  Once that's done, they can start
dismantling the scaffolding inside and begin work on the turntable (it's a
wooden table, and it had lots of water and snow--you draw the conclusions)
and the locomotives/cars still inside.  Because the roof required complete
reconstruction, many changes to bring the rest of the building to code
(which were "grandfathered" away under "historic building" clauses) have
also had to be made.  In the long run, this will improve the collection's
protection; in the short run, it costs lots of money.

In addition, the massive reconstruction has also forced another issue to the
forefront--handicapped access.  I've been told by several sources that the
Museum lost a lawsuit regarding ADA access laws, and some reconstruction and
adaptation is ongoing to contend with this issue, including removal of the
model railroad on the second floor of the Museum.  (Unfortunately, it seems
also to be a hot-button issue for them; I've been HOTLY criticized by
members for mentioning this issue elsewhere, as if they had something evil
to hide.)  Also apparently to this end, a large station-platform-like raised
plinth, complete with roof, now sits directly outside the Roundhouse.

The grand reopening is set for Nov. 13-14; I have strong suspicions that the
Museum may focus more on rehabilitation than holding another Fair.  Part of
the fundraising is being devoted to a $10 million restoration shop, to be
erected atop the foundations of an earlier shop building out on the "First
Mile" near the Mt. Clare Mansion.  It's badly needed, unfortunately, as is
funding for restoration and rehabilitation.  (Reading 2101/AFT 1 doesn't
look like it's still in Striegel Scrap Yard because they hate
it...............)

Yes, the building was insured.  Yes, they had a year's worth of "loss of
business" insurance.  Both of those were nowhere near enough; the paychecks
stopped six weeks ago.  So donate if you can.

Their member journal is "Roundhouse Review".

Alexander D. Mitchell IV
Baltimore (right down the street from the B&O Museum)


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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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End of RSHSDepot Digest V1 #882
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=================================
The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org