Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society, Maryland

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Frederick, Maryland · Updated October 19, 2026 · 11 min read

Rail preservation groupNo daily museum; exhibits, talks and Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum dates posted on the society calendar

The Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society is the volunteer keeper of the Frederick area's historic rail collection, preserving the story of the last interurban trolley company to serve Maryland.

  • Founded in 1999
  • Archive of over 2,000 items
  • 87.5 miles of trolley line at its peak
  • Completely volunteer run
  • Free presentations for groups
  • Printable trolley coloring page

Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society at a glance

Hours
No regular public hours; see the society calendar for exhibits, talks and Boonsboro museum dates
Admission
Not posted; talks and library exhibits are typically public programs, so check each event
Seasonal events
Frederick County Historical Society tour, Heritage Frederick Tour, Talk in Williamsport
Best for
Local history fans, trolley enthusiasts and researchers
Best ages
Ages 7 and up

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Frederick.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Saving the memory of Maryland's last interurban

For nearly 60 years, the electric interurban cars and freight motors of the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway ran through the streets, farmland and mountain ridges of Frederick and Washington counties. The line was a lifeline for farmers, merchants and students, and at its peak its main and branch lines covered 87 and a half miles of track and climbed over two mountain summits, which made it one of the most extensive and scenic systems of its kind in the country. It was the last interurban trolley company to serve Maryland.

Much of that history has since disappeared to development and neglect. Fewer than a dozen original structures and four cars survive in restorable condition. In 1999 three model railroaders founded the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society to save what remained, and the group has grown into a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit whose members include historians, collectors, modelers, rail fans and longtime local residents.

Volunteers have built an archive of more than 2,000 objects, photographs, documents and research resources. A Heritage Grant in 2020 helped the society digitize its collection, and in 2022 member Rick Hahn loaned a collection of negatives estimated at nearly 800 photographs for scanning, many of them never seen before. The society has also partnered with the National Road Heritage Foundation to host and redevelop exhibits at the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum.

Where the trolley collection shows up

Because the society has no permanent daily museum of its own, its collection travels. Exhibits have appeared at Frederick County libraries, including the C. Burr Artz Library, Myersville and Thurmont, and Heritage Frederick featured the trolleys in its 2023 Community Gallery exhibition, with historic photographs, artifacts and a map of the full system at its height.

The most regular place to see trolley history in person is the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum at 220 N. Main Street in Boonsboro, the last surviving trolley station in Washington County, which the society hosts on behalf of the National Road Heritage Foundation on scheduled Sundays. Online, the society's visitor area offers virtual exhibits, an interactive map of the H&F system, a guide to surviving trolleys and structures, a partial car roster and a printable coloring page for kids.

Don’t miss

  1. Boonsboro Trolley Station MuseumThe last surviving trolley station in Washington County, opened on scheduled Sundays with exhibits developed by the society.
  2. Tracing the Hagerstown & FrederickMember Reuben Moss's hour-long talk follows the line on a Google Earth overlay, mixed with photos, film and audio of the local trolleys.
  3. The H&F: Then & NowA 25-minute slideshow visiting 11 communities the railway served, setting vintage photos beside the same scenes today.
  4. Interactive map of the H&F systemA free online map in the society's visitor area that shows how far the trolleys once reached.
  5. Trolleywire newsletterMembers receive the society's newsletter, plus access to the archives by appointment.

Trolleys to color and stories to hear

This is a history society rather than a hands-on train museum, so it suits curious school-age kids more than toddlers. The easiest start at home is the free printable trolley coloring page in the society's visitor area. Older kids who like maps will enjoy the interactive map of the H&F system, and the Then & Now slideshow, comparing old photos with today's streets, is a good fit for a scout troop or class.

Plan your visit: tips for Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society

  • Check the society's full calendar for current exhibit and talk dates before you go.
  • Confirm Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum Sunday hours, which have changed from year to year.
  • Use the contact form to request a presentation or an archive appointment.
  • Membership dues are half off for the rest of the year after September 1.

A society run entirely by volunteers

The society is completely volunteer run, and every dollar of dues goes into its operations and preservation work. Membership is $20 for individuals, $30 for families and $50 or more for benefactors or businesses, running January to December. Members get the Trolleywire newsletter, archive access and a vote at business meetings. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online through CFFC or in person at the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum, and the society welcomes anyone with trolley memories to share.

Rail history around Frederick and Hagerstown

The Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum is only about 4 miles away. The Walkersville Southern Railroad is about 25 miles off, and trolley fans can make the trip to the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Pennsylvania, about 44 miles away. See every train museum in Maryland for more.

Every train museum in Maryland

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi looking out an arched train window at the ocean and a white bird
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The H&F trolleys climbed mountain ridges and rolled past farmland, and I love picturing riders pressed to the glass for that view. Rally does the same in our book: he looks out an arched train window at the ocean and says hello to a white bird. The society even shares a trolley coloring page, and we have our own train pictures on our coloring pages.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Frederick area trolley history: 20 questions answered

Is there a railroad museum in Frederick, Maryland?

The Frederick area's historic trolley collection is kept by the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society, a volunteer nonprofit with a Frederick mailing address. It does not run a daily museum. Instead it presents exhibits at libraries and history centers, gives talks, and hosts the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum on scheduled dates.

What is the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society?

It is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit founded in 1999 by three model railroaders to preserve the history of the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway, the last interurban trolley company to serve Maryland. It keeps an archive of artifacts, photographs and records and shares them through exhibits, presentations and programs.

What was the Hagerstown and Frederick Railway?

It was an electric interurban trolley system that ran for nearly 60 years through Frederick and Washington counties, carrying passengers and freight for farmers, merchants and students. At its peak it covered 87 and a half miles of track and climbed two mountain summits. It was the last interurban trolley company in Maryland.

Where can I see the Frederick area trolley collection in person?

The most regular spot is the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum at 220 N. Main Street in Boonsboro, which the society hosts on scheduled Sundays. The society also sets up exhibits at Frederick County libraries and partners such as Heritage Frederick. Check the full calendar at hfrhs.org for current locations and dates.

When is the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum open?

The Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum opens on select Sunday afternoons in season, and the schedule has changed from year to year. The society posts current dates on its calendar and news page at hfrhs.org. You can also use the contact form there to request an appointment outside regular open hours.

How much does it cost to see the trolley exhibits?

The society does not post admission prices for its exhibits or the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum. Library exhibits and many talks are public programs. Check the event listing on hfrhs.org or send a question through the society's contact form before you go.

Are any Hagerstown and Frederick trolley cars still around?

Yes. Four trolley cars survive in restorable condition, along with fewer than a dozen original structures. The society's visitor area online includes a guide to surviving trolleys and structures and a partial roster of cars, and members can see a detailed all-time roster with photographs.

Can my group book a trolley history presentation?

Yes. The society regularly gives talks to historical societies, civic groups, retirement homes and others. Options run from a 25-minute overview to a 60-minute multimedia program, Tracing the Hagerstown & Frederick, presented by member Reuben Moss. Request a talk through the contact form at hfrhs.org.

What upcoming events does the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society have?

As of October 2026, the society lists a Frederick County Historical Society tour on October 20 and a Heritage Frederick tour on November 17, both from 10 to 11 am, plus a talk in Williamsport on January 15, 2027 around noon. Details are on the society's events page.

How do I join the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society?

Membership runs January 1 to December 31 at $20 for individuals, $30 for families and $50 or more for benefactors or businesses, as of October 2026. Dues for the rest of the year are half off after September 1, and half of dues are tax deductible. Apply through the membership page at hfrhs.org.

What do members of the trolley society receive?

Members get the society's Trolleywire newsletter, archive access by appointment, updates on H&F activities, invitations to help with programs and preservation work, and a vote at business meetings. Back issues of Trolleywire and a detailed trolley roster are available in the members' area online.

How can I donate to preserve Frederick area trolley history?

The society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and contributions are tax deductible. You can donate online through CFFC, linked from the society's website, or in person during open hours or by appointment at the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum. Mail goes to HFRHS, Inc., P.O. Box 1314, Frederick, MD 21702.

Can researchers use the trolley society's archive?

Yes. The society maintains an archive of artifacts, photographs and resources that researchers can access, and members can visit the archives by appointment. The collection includes over 2,000 objects, photographs and documents. Use the contact form at hfrhs.org to ask about a research visit.

I have memories or photos of the trolleys. Who should I contact?

The Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society actively welcomes trolley memories, and its contact form has an option just for sharing them. Members have loaned large photo collections before, including nearly 800 images scanned in 2022. Reach out through hfrhs.org or write to P.O. Box 1314, Frederick, MD 21702.

Is the trolley society good for kids?

It suits curious school-age kids best, since it is a history group rather than a hands-on museum. The society offers a free printable trolley coloring page and an interactive online map of the system. Short presentations like The H&F: Then & Now work well for scout troops and classes.

Can you ride a trolley in the Frederick area?

The Hagerstown and Frederick Railway no longer runs, and the society does not offer rides. For rail outings nearby, look at the Walkersville Southern Railroad in Walkersville, about 25 miles away, or the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Pennsylvania, about 44 miles away. Check each one's own schedule for rides.

Is the Walkersville railroad museum the same as the trolley society?

No. The Frederick and Pennsylvania Line Railroad Museum in Walkersville is a separate nonprofit named for a railroad built in Frederick County in 1872, and the Walkersville Southern Railroad has its own page on this site. The Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society focuses on the trolley line.

Has the trolley society exhibited at Heritage Frederick?

Yes. Heritage Frederick's 2023 Community Gallery exhibition was presented with the society and showed historic trolley photographs, artifacts and a map of the full system at its height. The society has also exhibited at the C. Burr Artz, Myersville and Thurmont libraries in Frederick County.

How do I contact the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society?

Use the contact form at hfrhs.org, which lets you ask about the society, membership, museum appointments, presentations or trolley memories. Letters go to HFRHS, Inc., P.O. Box 1314, Frederick, MD 21702. The society does not list a public phone number, and it also posts updates on Facebook.

What train museums are near Frederick and Hagerstown?

The Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum is about 4 miles away, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Roundhouse in Martinsburg, West Virginia, about 14 miles, and the Brunswick Heritage Museum about 22 miles. The Walkersville Southern Railroad is about 25 miles off and the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society Museum about 33 miles.

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