The Pullman Porter / Bowie Railroad Museum Program

Pullman porters, who were almost exclusively African American, are well-recognized figures in the history of railroad passenger trains. August 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of their union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. Mr. Kevin Tankersley with the National Railway Historical Society, Washington, D.C. Chapter, Inc. (DCNRHS), will discuss who they were, their job duties, and working conditions within the context of the Pullman Company’s 100-year history. Over time, the Pullman Porters were responsible for significant contributions which altered the social fabric and history of the United States. This program is part of the City of Bowie’s History in Your Backyard series. The program is FREE; DCNRHS members and the public are invited to attend.
The Old Bowie Visitor Center is located at 8606 Chestnut Avenue in Bowie MD. There is some parking adjacent, as well as nearby on-street parking. The Bowie Railroad Museum is adjacent and will be open from 12PM to 4PM as well for visiting before or after the presentation. For more information on the Bowie Railroad Museum please visit their website at https://www.cityofbowie.org/293/Bowie-Railroad-Museum.
The National Railway Historical Society, Washington, D.C. Chapter, Inc. (DCNRHS) owns and operates the classic 1930s Pullman rail car, Dover Harbor. For more information on DCNRHS please see www.dcnrhs.org; for more information on Dover Harbor, please see www.doverharbor.com.
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