A National Icon’s Renaissance: B&O Railroad Museum Announces 2026 Unveiling of the American Freedom Train No. 1

Unveiling Kicks Off Yearlong America 250 Celebration

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The B&O Railroad Museum will unveil the newly restored American Freedom Train No. 1 (AFT No. 1) on January 12, 2026, as part of the Museum’s contribution to the national America 250 celebration. The restoration of this iconic locomotive—an enduring symbol of unity and patriotism from the 1975/76 U.S. Bicentennial—is the Museum’s gift to the nation as it prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. The Museum will also debut a new exhibit devoted to the historic journey of the American Freedom Train including a multimedia presentation of the Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner song, “Here Comes the Freedom Train.” Dolly Parton’s song will be played during the unveiling ceremony on January 12.

The unveiling will also launch a yearlong series of programs, exhibitions, and events at the Museum centered on both the AFT No. 1 and America 250, culminating in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027—an era that began in 1827 at the very site where the B&O Railroad Museum stands today.

“The AFT No. 1 captured the hearts and imaginations of millions during its Bicentennial tour,” said Kris Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “Restoring this locomotive in time for America 250 allows us to honor that legacy and share a renewed symbol of national pride and unity. We are thrilled to present this restoration as our gift to the nation during this historic milestone.”

An American Icon
The AFT No. 1 powered the American Freedom Train of 1975–1976, a traveling Bicentennial exhibition that carried more than 500 pieces of Americana, including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten draft of the Articles of Confederation, the original Louisiana Purchase, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s robes, Judy Garland's dress from The Wizard of Oz, and a lunar rover. During its 21-month journey, the train visited 138 cities in all 48 contiguous states and was viewed by more than 7 million Americans. The locomotive now held by the B&O Railroad Museum is the only one of the original three locomotives that remains in its authentic American Freedom Train paint scheme.

Now restored, the AFT No. 1 will be prominently and permanently displayed as part of the Museum’s collection, honoring its singular role in carrying the story of America across the nation.

Labor of Love
The cosmetic restoration of the AFT No. 1 was completed in six months. The restoration team replaced necessary jacketing, repaired wiring for headlights, class lights, and tab lights, and successfully abated any rust. The original paint colors were created in its modern formula. The seal and graphics were painted by artists David and Liné Tutwiler. David has a long relationship with the American Freedom Train. During the Bicentennial, his painting American Freedom Train was purchased by Pepsi Co., one of the Bicentennial sponsors, for display in their corporate offices. Pepsi also later hired David to ride in the cab from Ogden, Utah, to Boise, Idaho, to create additional works of the train and capture its journey throughout the Western side of the country.

Press Preview
On Monday, January 12, at 11 a.m., the B&O Railroad Museum is offering a special preview of the AFT No. 1 for press only. The preview will take place inside the Museum’s 1884 historic and patriotic Roundhouse and include the opportunity to take photos inside the cab. Event is subject to change should weather prevent moving locomotive. Please RSVP to Stephanie Jayakanthan at [e-mail]. The locomotive will be available for viewing for the general public beginning at 1 pm on January 12.

The cosmetic restoration of the American Freedom Train No. 1 was supported in part by a Federal Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and by generous private donors.

About the B&O Railroad Museum

The B&O Railroad Museum, located in Baltimore, Md., is the birthplace of American railroading, a National Historic Landmark, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, and a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. It is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American life, socially, culturally and economically. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere, including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment, over 30 million archival documents, the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse as well as the first mile of commercial railroad track ever laid in America. The Museum welcomes guests annually from all 50 states and 40 countries. For more information about the Museum, please call 410- 752-2490 or visit www.BORail.org. For more information about America 250 at the B&O Railroad Museum, please visit borail.events/America250. For more information on the 200^th anniversary of American railroading in 2027, please visit www.americanrail200.org.