with Jack Burkert
America’s first railroad, the Baltimore and Ohio, was formed in desperation, as commerce to and through Baltimore was being lost to competitors using less costly canals and rivers. With little knowledge but great hopes, a few Baltimoreans took a chance and began to build a railroad. In a period of inventiveness, creativity, tenacity, hard work, public support, and commitment America’s first railroad soon made Baltimore competitive once again. The story of the B&O is a complicated one of early days of trial and error while carving a pathway for the rails. The railroad had to overcome the events of the Civil War, cope with competition that was not always fair, then seeking the advantage of the luxury service of the modern Royal Blue trains. All of this and more, a story brought to life in just an hour.
Jack Burkert is a Baltimore native who in retirement has used his energy and interest in all things Baltimore to create a number of educational programs. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in history and education. His career was spent in various educator roles in the Baltimore City School system, the Pennsylvania State University, and with private employers in Washington and New York City. Later he ran his own consulting firm. Jack has made a specialty of programs about the history of Baltimore, its port, businesses, people and immigration.
Part of our Speaker Series. Admission: FREE to HSBC members; Non-members $11.99, Registration required.
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