The museum is reopening March 22, 2025 from it's winter break.
The museum is reopening March 22, 2025 from it's winter break.
Step back in time and enjoy a musical interlude into the past as we take a journey through the historic Brunswick Rail Yard. Experience the sights and sounds of this cherished piece of railroad history, brought to life through the dedication of passionate individuals.
This video was made possible by two key contributors:
🔹 John Younkins, son of Marvin E. Younkins, whose commitment to preserving this legacy is invaluable.
🔹 Jeff Batson of Dezineboy Productions, who skillfully crafted this visual tribute.
Watch the incredible story of a group of kids from Brunswick, MD, who began playing baseball for fun and ended up making history. Selected to play on an all-star team, they won 9 straight games to become the Maryland State Little League Champions! This unforgettable journey, full of teamwork, determination, and passion, led them to an unforgettable game of a lifetime. Learn more about their remarkable achievement in this video, created for the Brunswick Heritage Museum.
A Journey Through Brunswick’s Rich History
Join us on a captivating journey curated by the Brunswick Heritage Museum during the COVID-19 pandemic. This special presentation explores the deep and diverse history of Brunswick, covering:
Geology – The foundation of the land we call home
Native American Heritage – The original stewards of this region
The Many Names of Brunswick – A town with a story to tell
The C&O Canal – A lifeline of commerce and travel
The B&O Railroad – The iron rails that shaped a community
This video is a testament to resilience, history, and the importance of preserving our heritage. Watch now and take a step back in time!
The Geologic Evolution of Brunswick & the Appalachian Mountains
Join us on a journey through time, from 300 million years ago to 30 million years ago, as we explore the fascinating geological history of Brunswick and the Appalachian Mountains. Discover how shifting landscapes, ancient formations, and geological processes shaped not only the land but also the rich culture and history of the region.
In this video:
Native Americans: What We Know and Don’t Know | Brunswick Chowanoc & Chesapeake Bay Tribes
Join us as we uncover the history of the Native American tribes around Brunswick and the Chowanoc people—natives who lived along the Chesapeake Bay. In this video, we explore fascinating artifacts, ancient fish traps, and the rich culture of these indigenous communities.
In this video:
The Most Common Conversation at the Museum | Brunswick’s Native & German Roots
What’s the most talked-about topic at the museum? In this video, we dive into the names given by Native Americans to the land grant, the German settlers’ journey to Brunswick, and even the origins of our unique nickname—Smoketown!
In this video:
Step back in time as we examine a unique map of Old Berlin, created through the stories of local landowners and residents. In this video, we uncover the fascinating history behind street locations and locations of near the railroad. Including a hardware store, an opera house, a newspaper, a mill, and even a hotel!
Brunswick’s 24-Hour YMCA: A Community & Railroader’s Haven
The YMCA in Brunswick was more than just a gym—it was a lifeline for railroaders and the entire community. Open 24 hours a day, it housed a restaurant, a barbershop, and even a hospital. But tragedy struck not once, but twice, with fires that ultimately led to its closure.
The First Church in Berlin: A Historic Landmark with a Civil War Past
The early German settlers of Berlin were deeply religious, and in 1850, Plot 30 became home to the first Methodist Church in the town. More than just a place of worship, this church also served as a hospital during the Civil War, playing a crucial role in the community’s history.
1834: The Arrival of the B&O Railroad & C&O Canal
In 1834, two major transportation projects—the B&O Railroad and the C&O Canal—began shaping the region at the same time. Each had its own vision, challenges, and impact on trade and travel.
Explore the history of these two transportation giants and how they transformed the region!
The C&O Canal: More Than Just a Big Ditch!
The C&O Canal was a game-changer for agriculture and trade, transporting flour, corn, potatoes, wheat, and coal. But beyond business, it was a way of life for the families who lived and worked along its waters.
Inside the Railroad Exhibit: Life on the railroad
Step into the world of railroad history as we explore a W.B. Tower, where dispatchers once controlled train movements. Discover what the job was like—featuring a telegraph, vintage equipment, and workstations that kept the railroads running smoothly.
Early B&O Railroad History: The Trains That Shaped Berlin
Step back in time to explore the early days of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and its impact on Berlin. Learn about the hardworking section gangs who built and maintained the tracks, the rise of steam-powered locomotives, and how these trains revolutionized the transportation of goods.
1890: The Birth of Brunswick – A Railroad Boomtown
What was happening in 1890 that brought B&O Canal representatives to Berlin? It was a time of transformation—Berlin was becoming Brunswick! With land prices rising and businesses flooding in, the town was on the verge of a boom. But where did the name Brunswick come from?
Hats Off to Brunswick!
Step into history as we showcase unique artifacts that tell the story of Brunswick through hats and headwear! From firefighting to baseball, each piece has a story to tell.
Women and the War Effort: Brunswick’s Railroad Heroines
During wartime, women stepped up to keep the railroads running, proving their strength and resilience. Brunswick had its own female heroes, working tirelessly to support the war effort.
Boarding Houses & Early Kitchens: Life in Early Brunswick
With the influx of railroad workers, boarding houses became a staple of early Brunswick. Many were run by railroad widows, who opened their large Victorian homes to provide food and shelter for workers. In this video, we take a walk through historic kitchens and explore museum artifacts that highlight daily life in these boarding houses.
Unions & Working Conditions: The Fight for Railroad Workers' Rights
Working on the early railroad was incredibly dangerous—with accidents leading to lost limbs and even lives. At our museum, we showcase unique artifacts that tell the story of these harsh conditions, including a wicker casket used to collect body parts from the railyard.
Brunswick in the 1890s: Growth, Laws & Expansion
Brunswick was rapidly transforming in the 1890s! The B&O Railroad expanded, opening a freight yard in 1891 and increasing passenger train service—bringing more people, businesses, and change to the town.
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