Our Museum's Mission
The Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum is dedicated to promoting Maryland’s local railroad heritage through educational exhibits and programs, and through the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic railroad equipment, structures, and memorabilia.
Our purpose includes the preservation of the skills and technology from a bygone era for maintaining and operating antique locomotives and equipment while providing the experience of diesel and steam locomotives in actual operation.
Join us! Donations, membership, and volunteering all provide vital support to our mission. Explore your options for joining the Walkersville Southern Railroad and Museum today!
About Us
The Walkersville Southern Railroad and Museum is located in Walkersville, MD, alongside track that was a branch line of the Pennsylvania Railroad beginning in 1875.
Our Museum, housed within an early 20th century commercial building, features a variety of educational exhibits that showcase our Pennsylvania Railroad heritage, local Walkersville history, and various railroad artifacts and equipment.
Our Railroad encompasses the Train Station and Tool Shed, the Maintenance Shop, the Engine Shed which houses several locomotives, and the Yard where locomotives, rolling stock, and MOW equipment are stationed until needed. The Railroad operates excursions throughout most of the year on seven miles of track, giving our passengers the opportunity to actually experience the railroad history that we endeavor to preserve. Our Railroad activities complement and enhance the mission of our Museum.
The Walkersville Southern Railroad is a for-profit company established in 1991, while the Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2017.
Our Museum's Mission
The Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum is dedicated to promoting Maryland’s local railroad heritage through educational exhibits and programs, and through the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic railroad equipment, structures, and memorabilia.
Our purpose includes the preservation of the skills and technology from a bygone era for maintaining and operating antique locomotives and equipment while providing the experience of diesel and steam locomotives in actual operation.
Join us! Donations, membership, and volunteering all provide vital support to our mission. Explore your options for joining the Walkersville Southern Railroad and Museum today!
Board of Directors
Walkersville Southern Railroad
Ronald Baird, Chairman
Wayne Kirchhof, Treasurer
Paul Kovalcik, Secretary
Deanna Baird, Director
Jamie Haislip, Director
Joshua Meise, Director
Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum
Paul Kovalcik, Executive Director
Joshua Meise, Secretary
Deanna Baird, Director and Museum Curator
Ronald Baird, Director
Jamie Haislip, Director
Wayne Kirchhof, Program Director
Brian Tretick, Development Manager
Support
Donate
Your donation fuels the growth and preservation of the Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum’s rich heritage. With your support, we can expedite our building’s renovation, expand our exhibits and educational programs, and ensure that the legacy of the Frederick secondary’s railroad history thrives for years to come. Donate today. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Join
Become A Member
As a member you’ll receive discounts on tickets to ride the train, updates on upcoming museum events, museum renovation progress, equipment restoration project activities and other cool benefits.
Support
Volunteer
The Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum preserves history through hands-on restoration and repair. Volunteers aged 18 and up are trained for roles like engineer, conductor, docent, or mechanic. With 70–80 active members, the museum has supported railroad heritage for over 30 years, offering opportunities for all skill levels and backgrounds.
Building For Our Future
Museum Building Renovation
Help us honor the history of, and generate new appreciation for, the American railroad by supporting our restoration effort. By supporting our campaign you can play an active role in creating Frederick County’s newest museum and visitor attraction.
Funding for the Walkersville Southern Railroad Museum website was generously provided by a grant from the Ausherman Family Foundation.