Events & Conventions

Archiving Sessions

Most Thursdays, the archives building in Eldersburg, MD is open for sorting, identification, and cataloging materials in our collections and incoming donations. For more information, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Annual Convention & Business Meeting

Each year, usually in September or October, the Society holds an annual convention and business meeting. The convention is an opportunity to see old friends and make new ones, all with a common interest in the B&O. You should be a member to enjoy our one-day mini-conferences, but you must be a member to attend our annual conventions.

The 2024 convention was held October 3-6, 2024 at the Earth City Holiday Inn near the St. Louis airport. The upcoming 2025 convention will be held in Martinsburg, WV, and information is available in our convention flyer and registration form, available here. This is a member-only event featuring speakers, a tour, a model display, and a banquet, with an annual business meeting held Sunday morning. Questions may be directed to events@borhs.org.

Western Mini-Convention

Each year, usually in May, the western contingent of the Society holds a mini-con in Ohio featuring guest speakers and Company Store sales. The date for the 2025 Mini-con was May 3, held in Bellaire, OH. The date for the upcoming 2026 mini-con will be posted as more information is solidified. Questions may be directed to events@borhs.org. Go to the Company Store to register for this event.

Eastern Mini-Convention

Each year in July, the eastern contingent of the Society holds a mini-con featuring guest speakers and Company Store sales at the B&ORHS headquarters and archive in Eldersburg, Maryland. The 2025 Eastern Mini-Convention was held on July 19. The date and agenda for the upcoming 2026 Eastern mini-con will be posted to this website when available. Questions may be directed to events@borhs.org. Go to the Company Store to register for this event.

Eldersburg Flea Market & Silent Auction

Each year in November, the Society holds a sale for individuals ONLY to sell items at the Society’s headquarters and archive in Eldersburg, Maryland. This event is NOT for dealers and is open to individuals only. The 2024 event was held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, and items in the silent auction were B&O and WM brass as well as select limited-run plastic models. Click here to view the 2024 flyer.

The date for the 2025 Eldersburg Flea Market will be November 22. Additional information will be posted when available. Sellers should go to the Company Store for table registration.

Eldersburg Christmas Train Garden Display

Each year in December, the Society holds a Baltimore tradition, a Christmas Train Garden, an event for displaying model trains at the Society’s headquarters and archive in Eldersburg, Maryland. The 2024 event was held on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024. The dates for the 2025 event will be December 13 and 14, 2025.