Gaithersburg Community Museum

Gaithersburg Community Museum The Museum is free and features educational exhibits and programs designed to spark interest and imagination in our City’s history.
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The City of Gaithersburg's Community Museum is located in the restored 1884 B&O Railroad Station complex. The Museum features educational exhibits and programs designed to spark visitors' interest and imagination in our City's history. The Community Museum occupies the historic Freight House, the History Park and the B&O Caboose. Designed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Head Architect, Ephraim Francis Baldwin, the Gaithersburg Railroad Station was built in 1884. This enabled Gaithersburg, previously known as both Forest Oak and Logtown, new and expedited shipping opportunities south, to Washington, DC. The commercial opportunities this access afforded helped develop the burgeoning Gaithersburg economy. In 1978, its buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Additional hours are available by appointment. Handicap accessible.

A minor rail equipment mishap outside the museum today.
02/14/2020

A minor rail equipment mishap outside the museum today.

Happy Valentine's Day!Valentine's Day card from the collection of the Gaithersburg Community Museum, ca. 1920.
02/14/2020

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day card from the collection of the Gaithersburg Community Museum, ca. 1920.

On this day in 1980, Voyager 1 sent back the iconic "Pale Blue Dot" image of Earth.
02/14/2020
Today, 30th anniversary of the Pale Blue Dot | EarthSky.org

On this day in 1980, Voyager 1 sent back the iconic "Pale Blue Dot" image of Earth.

On February 14, 1990, the Voyager 1 spacecraft acquired one of the most iconic images ever taken from space, an image of our planet Earth seen from Saturn. The image is now known as the Pale Blue Dot.

Until Nov. 1, 1864, the day Maryland lawmakers officially approved emancipation, fugitive slaves Harriet Tubman and Fred...
02/13/2020
'A room with a different view’: Maryland unveils statues of Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass in State House

Until Nov. 1, 1864, the day Maryland lawmakers officially approved emancipation, fugitive slaves Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass could not legally enter their home state of Maryland, let alone the State House in Annapolis.

At a time when states are debating the removal of Confederate monuments, Maryland is adding bronze statues of two of the state's famous black historical figures to the Maryland State House.

02/12/2020

It’s that time of year! We're unboxing science kits from our friends at NISE Network! Join us as we check out this year’s goodies!

NASA has free space-themed Valentine's Day cards!
02/11/2020
Happy Valentine's Day!

NASA has free space-themed Valentine's Day cards!

NASA Valentine's cards carry warm wishes from cool places! Send your own out of this world message here: go.nasa.gov/valentines.

In keeping with the weekend's theme of football - here is the Gaithersburg H.S. football team from 1949-50
02/03/2020

In keeping with the weekend's theme of football - here is the Gaithersburg H.S. football team from 1949-50

On this day in 1958, the first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, was launched into space on this date, about four months after...
01/31/2020
Today in science: Launch of Explorer 1 | EarthSky.org

On this day in 1958, the first U.S. satellite, Explorer 1, was launched into space on this date, about four months after Sputnik 1 became the first satellite to orbit the Earth.

Can you believe it's been 62 years since the United States launched its 1st satellite? Explorer 1 advanced the space race between the US and the Soviet Union. It led to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts.

01/27/2020

We see #trackwork in our future. #CSX #trainspotting

01/22/2020

Spot the International Space Station - Time: Wed Jan 22 6:37 PM, Visible: 3 min, Max Height: 46°, Appears: 30° above W, Disappears: 27° above NNE

One of the four great telescopes, Spitzer is going dark on January 30. Check out some of the amazing images taken during...
01/22/2020
Spitzer Final Voyage

One of the four great telescopes, Spitzer is going dark on January 30. Check out some of the amazing images taken during its life and how the work done with Spitzer has advanced our knowledge of the universe.

On January 30th 2020, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope will complete its mission. This page will tell its story, showcase new science and highlight its most outstanding achievements during the past 16 years in space.

Looking for a fun craft project this winter? If you like owls, then this one's for you.
01/22/2020
Habitat Project: Eastern Screech-owl Boxes

Looking for a fun craft project this winter? If you like owls, then this one's for you.

Habitat Project: Eastern Screech-owl Boxes January 1, 2020 Screech owl by Roy Niswanger CC by NC 2.0 Did you know? Maryland is home to eight species of owls, several of which are year-round residents while others visit during migration. The smallest resident owl in Maryland is the Eastern Screech-ow...

Vote to name the next Mars Rover.
01/21/2020
Name the Rover Contest

Vote to name the next Mars Rover.

Tell us your favorite name for NASA's next Mars rover.

01/18/2020

❄️Weather Notice for Sat., 1/18/20❄️

Gaithersburg Community Museum will open at 11 a.m.

Club for the Future is offering to send the first 10,000 postcards received into space and then mail them back to you. W...
01/16/2020
Club for the Future powered by Blue Origin

Club for the Future is offering to send the first 10,000 postcards received into space and then mail them back to you. We'll have some postcards to send in the museum through Saturday.

Calling all wanderers - Welcome to the Club for the Future.

#museumselfieday. Stop by to take your selfie in the museum.
01/15/2020

#museumselfieday. Stop by to take your selfie in the museum.

Women were the first organized group to protest at the gates of the President’s house. Beginning on January 10, 1917, wo...
01/10/2020
19th Amendment at 100: Women Are First to Protest White House

Women were the first organized group to protest at the gates of the President’s house. Beginning on January 10, 1917, women seeking voting rights stationed themselves outside the White House.

The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, but this landmark event was neither the beginning nor the end of the story for women and their struggle for the right to vote. Join us in 2020 as we commemo…

On January 5, 2020, astronomers at the American Astronomical Society annual meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, presented a new...
01/09/2020
New view of Milky Way’s center | EarthSky.org

On January 5, 2020, astronomers at the American Astronomical Society annual meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, presented a new, extremely crisp infrared image of the center of our Milky Way galaxy.

The SOFIA flying telescope has captured a new panoramic image of the center of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. The image shows a region more than 600 light-years across, revealing unprecedented details within the center's dense swirls of gas and dust.

Unfortunately, we won't be in a position to see the eclipse, but here's what you need to know.
01/09/2020
Penumbral eclipse of the moon on January 10 | EarthSky.org

Unfortunately, we won't be in a position to see the eclipse, but here's what you need to know.

Enjoy the first full moon of the year on January 10, 2020, This full moon will undergo a penumbral lunar eclipse. At mid-eclipse, you will find a slight shading - Earth's penumbral shadow - on one side of the moon.

Betelgeuse has been in the news lately. Here is what you need to know.
01/08/2020
Betelgeuse: What’s up? | EarthSky.org

Betelgeuse has been in the news lately. Here is what you need to know.

The red supergiant star Betelgeuse, a bright star in the constellation of Orion, has been making headlines due to a recent drop in brightness. Is an explosion imminent? If it happens, will Earth be affected?

Did you sign up for Mars 2020? Now you can get your boarding pass and see how many miles you've earned.
01/07/2020
Send Your Name to Mars: Mars 2020

Did you sign up for Mars 2020? Now you can get your boarding pass and see how many miles you've earned.

Send Your Name to Mars. View and share your Boarding Pass. See your Frequent Flyer points: go.nasa.gov/Mars2020Pass

January 9th is National Static Electricity Day. Stop by all week to make your own electroscope.#explorescience #NISENetw...
01/07/2020

January 9th is National Static Electricity Day. Stop by all week to make your own electroscope.
#explorescience #NISENetwork

Physical sciences, including physics and chemistry, often play a large role in determining the elemental composition, or...
01/07/2020
How Neutrons and Gamma Rays Can Reveal Our Cultural Heritage

Physical sciences, including physics and chemistry, often play a large role in determining the elemental composition, or signature, of archaeological finds or objects in museum collections and can provide insight into early civilizations.

Most people think that understanding and preserving our cultural heritage is mainly the concern of the social sciences and humanities, such as archaeology an

Many thanks to the Montgomery Parks Archaeology Office for an incredible Discovery Day on Saturday.
01/07/2020

Many thanks to the Montgomery Parks Archaeology Office for an incredible Discovery Day on Saturday.

We are closest to the Sun this weekend.
01/04/2020
Earth closest to sun on January 4-5 | EarthSky.org

We are closest to the Sun this weekend.

Tonight - January 2, 2019 according to clocks in the Americas - we reach Earth's closest point to the sun. That closest point for 2019 comes at 11:20 p.m. CST (central U.S.).

Archaeology Day is in full swing. Stop by the museum to match pottery, make a marble, and more. #MontgomeryCountyArchae...
01/04/2020

Archaeology Day is in full swing. Stop by the museum to match pottery, make a marble, and more. #MontgomeryCountyArchaeology

A look at the night sky in January.
01/02/2020
What's Up - January 2020

A look at the night sky in January.

What are the skywatching highlights of January 2020?

Wishing you a wondrous year. From the staff at the Gaithersburg Community Museum.The museum is closed today, but we hope...
01/01/2020

Wishing you a wondrous year. From the staff at the Gaithersburg Community Museum.

The museum is closed today, but we hope to see you tomorrow!

12/31/2019
A look back at just some of the teachable STEM moments 2019 provided.
12/31/2019
NASA's 9 Most Teachable Moments This Decade and Beyond - Teachable Moments | NASA/JPL Edu

A look back at just some of the teachable STEM moments 2019 provided.

Whether discovering something about our own planet or phenomenon billions of miles away, NASA missions and scientists unveiled a vast universe of mysteries this past decade. And with each daring landing, visit to a new world and journey into the unknown came new opportunities to inspire the next gen...

On this day in 1924, Astronomer Edwin Hubble formally announced the existence of other galactic systems at meeting of th...
12/30/2019
Anniversary of Edwin Hubble’s Great Discovery

On this day in 1924, Astronomer Edwin Hubble formally announced the existence of other galactic systems at meeting of the American Astronomical Society.

On December 30, 1924, astronomer Edwin P. Hubble (1889-1953) announced his discovery of the spiral nebula Andromeda, proving for the first time that our own Milky Way was but one of many galaxies in the vast universe. The Hubble Space Telescope, seen here after release from Columbia’s payload bay ...

On this day in 1860, Harriet Tubman arrived in Auburn, New York, from her last mission to free slaves. She had evaded ca...
12/28/2019
On Harriet Tubman’s Final Escape Mission

On this day in 1860, Harriet Tubman arrived in Auburn, New York, from her last mission to free slaves. She had evaded capture for 8 years.

Harriet’s network of antislavery agitators stationed across the country was extensive, but she also developed a vital relationship with one of the most infamous abolitionists of the era. Harriet’s …

12/27/2019
Apollo 8: Around The Moon and Back

On this day in 1968, Apollo 8 splashes down having successfully orbited the moon.

50 years ago, three NASA astronauts embarked on a journey that would take them “Round the moon and back”. The Apollo 8 mission proved the performance of the ...

OTD in 1966, the first Kwanzaa celebration took place.
12/26/2019
Kwanzaa

OTD in 1966, the first Kwanzaa celebration took place.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday.The museum is closed today, but please come and see us tomorrow.
12/25/2019

Wishing everyone a very happy holiday.

The museum is closed today, but please come and see us tomorrow.

Address

9 S Summit Ave
Gaithersburg, MD
20877

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:00 - 15:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 15:00
Thursday 10:00 - 15:00
Friday 10:00 - 15:00
Saturday 10:00 - 15:00

Telephone

(301) 258-6160

Website

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Videos

It’s that time of year! We're unboxing science kits from our friends at NISE Network! Join us as we check out this year’s goodies!

We see #trackwork in our future. #CSX #trainspotting

Live Locos g-scale steam engines are chugging away.

#ggauge #steamengines at #trainday

World Space Week
World Space Week

Please join us this week for some hands-on activities.

Inquiring Minds
Inquiring Minds

We had a great time at Wednesday's Inquiring Minds making harmonicas and castanets.

We'll be partying until 3. #endofschoolyear #1stdayofsummer

sorry. No #fountain today... unless the temperature gets to 70°

#TrainDay

Busy, busy #TrainDay. Stop by anytime until 2:30. #free #GburgFun

Moving the Light Tower
Moving the Light Tower

Moving the Color Position Light Tower to a safe location while it awaits reinstallation as an outdoor exhibit.

Unboxing part 2 of our NISE Network Earth/Space science kits!

We're unboxing science kits from our friends at NISE Network!

Museum Review
Museum Review

A review of the museum from one of our fans.

45 years ago today...

Bell Ringing for Veterans Day #RingTheBells — Thank you to our bell ringer John Clay! John is a US Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam with the 44th Medical Brigade from 1968-1970. The nation and the City thank you for your service, John. Today, and every day, we thank you for your service. #veteransday #gaithersburgmd #gaithersburgcommunitymuseum

Lots of fun happening today at FrankenSTEM.

You too can make a scribblebot! We're open from 1-4 today.

Having fun getting ready for tomorrow's International Observe the Moon Night - https://business.facebook.com/events/1798440210282161/

This is the last week the fountain will be on until 8:00. In September it goes to a weekend schedule. Stop by tonight and you can see the lights. Loaner water toys will be available in the Plaza from 5-7:00.

Can there be a more perfect day to play in the fountain? #GburgFun

The fountain is open until 8 today and so is the museum. Remember to bring a towel if you plan to do both.

Doing a dye test on the Olde Towne Plaza fountain for the inspectors. Getting closer to opening day.

The new fountain in Olde Towne Plaza should be open any day. Check for updates here or on the City's website for hours.

Coal Train – 30 May 2018
Coal Train – 30 May 2018

Yesterday's coal train on its way to the coal yards in Baltimore. Many of our visitors ask where the coal trains go. The ones that pass through Gaithersburg go either to Baltimore or Norfolk. They carry steam coal or metallurgical coal which is bituminous, rather than anthracite. Much of that coal is then shipped overseas.

Thanks to volunteer Archana, we have this great slow motion video of our giant dominos in action from last weekend's Heritage Days.

Make this awesome climbing train at #TrainDay

#RayOwen preforms Wabash Cannonball at #TrainDay #familyfun #free

Thaumatrope
Thaumatrope

This week's challenge is to make a thaumatrope, a 19th century optical illusion toy. We have templates in the museum or you can design your own. Here is a thaumatrope in action.

Join us tomorrow for Discovery Thursday to make this awesome Magic Wallet magic trick! The activity is from 11:30-12:30 and is for ages 5-10; $2 per child. Materials are limited so call to reserve your spot, 301-258-6160

Tomorrow's Discovery Thursday is this climbing Itsy Bitsy Spider. All crafts are $2 per child, recommended for ages 5-10 (Skills: scissor, taping, threading). Materials are limited so call to reserve your spot, 301-258-6160. Drop-in program hours are 11:30-12:30.

Train Day - September 2014
Train Day - September 2014

If you were here on Saturday, you enjoyed Train Day in person, but if not, thought you like to see the trains in operation.

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Our Story

Local history full steam ahead at the Gaithersburg Community Museum! Located in the restored 1884 B&O Railroad complex in Olde Towne, the museum bridges Gaithersburg’s past and present for visitors of all ages. Exhibits in the Freight House and rail cars explore our rich history and hands-on learning centers for children spark the imagination. The Station, an active commuter stop, houses dining and restroom facilities, and the outdoor interpretive spaces, with the ever-popular rolling stock, offer the possibility of experiencing the sights and sounds of the trains that frequently rumble past the Museum.

The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Additional hours are available by appointment.

Nearby Observatory Park is home to the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory. Operating from 1899-1982, the Observatory was one of six worldwide that measured the wobble of the earth on its polar axis leading to improved navigation and significant scientific discoveries. This outdoor interpretive space highlights the importance of the scientific work conducted here for nearly a century.

Observatory Park is open from dawn to dusk with informational signs for visitors to take a self guided tour. The Latitude Observatory building is open during special events.

Nearby museums

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