About Brunswick Heritage Museum
Our Building
The Improved Order of Red Men fraternal lodge. Despite its name, the organization was exclusively for white men at the time and based its rituals on interpretations of Native American customs. The building, referred to as the "wigwam," was constructed by Delaware Tribe No. 43, which occupied it until 1936.
On June 1, 1936, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Brunswick Aerie No. 1136 purchased the building, making modifications, including the removal of a Native American statue from the entrance. That statue now resides inside on the museum’s second floor. The museum selected this location for its close proximity to the Brunswick Line MARC commuter station and the four tracks of the CSX mainline, ensuring a strong connection to the town’s deep-rooted railroad heritage.
Architecturally, the 1904 building is a striking example of early commercial design. Its three-story brick façade features a distinctive pattern of five tall, narrow arches that frame the second and third-story windows. The Flemish bond brickwork showcases alternating glazed headers, adding depth and texture to the structure. The building’s uppermost section features a dentelle cornice with modillions and short pilasters, giving it a stately and refined presence in the heart of Brunswick.
Explore the museum
First Floor: Welcome & Discover
Third Floor: The B&O Railroad in Miniature
Second Floor: Brunswick Through the Ages
Upon entering the museum, visitors will find the Brunswick Visitor Center, and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Service Visitor's Center. Here, guests can explore exhibits about the C&O Canal, learn about the town’s ties to the waterway, and gather information about local attractions. The museum gift shop offers unique souvenirs, books, local crafts and gifts celebrating Brunswick’s rich history.
Second Floor: Brunswick Through the Ages
Third Floor: The B&O Railroad in Miniature
Second Floor: Brunswick Through the Ages
Step into Brunswick’s past with exhibits that showcase everyday life throughout different historical periods. From the early days of canal travel to the height of the railroad era, this floor brings the town’s vibrant heritage to life. Visitors will also find displays detailing the impact of the C&O Canal and the B&O Railroad, which both played a vital role in the region’s transportation and commerce.
Third Floor: The B&O Railroad in Miniature
Third Floor: The B&O Railroad in Miniature
Third Floor: The B&O Railroad in Miniature
The Brunswick Heritage Museum's third floor features a large and intricate HO-scale model railroad layout of the B&O Railroad’s Metropolitan Subdivision from Washington, D.C., to the Brunswick Railyard in Maryland, in the late 1950s. It includes a detailed recreation of the Brunswick classification yards, once the largest privately owned railyard and most modern in the nation. The museum offers an engaging experience for those interested in local history, railroads, and transportation.