Mission: To preserve an extensive collection of Western Maryland Railway artifacts and to provide educational programs and activities relating to railroading. The Western Maryland Railway

Historical Society, founded in 1967, established a museum in Union Bridge in the building that once served as the Western Maryland Railway company's main office. Built in 1902, the two-story facility is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Major museum exhibits include the caller's boards from Hagerstown and Ridgely. The museum also houses a voluminous photo archive and an extensive railroader's library. Videos and slides on railroading also are shown.

Latest accomplishment: The installment of a new heating and HTC air-conditioning system that allows the museum to be open year-round. Also, complete renovation of the museum's library room.

On the horizon: The purchase of the building adjacent to the museum and restoration of the facility to its appearance when it was a passenger train station (1902-1957). Plans also include the setup of a model railroad display in the building's basement and restoration of Western Maryland Railway equipment donated to the museum, including caboose, box and hopper cars.

About the museum: Membership: 1,100. Annual attendance: 1,500. Operating budget: $70,000 annually.

Where and when: 41 Main St., Union Bridge. Hours: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, except Easter. Call 410-775-0150.

Dennis Wertz, president of the board of directors: "The Western Maryland Railway Historical

Society, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, is one of the few organizations of its kind to own and operate its own museum. The museum gives members and the public the opportunity to enjoy and study our collection and also serves as a focal point for society activities and events. We are a nonprofit organization, and donations of railroad-oriented items are always welcomed."

Members of the board

Leo Armentrout

David Cline

Ed Hess

Stanley Johnson

Richard Liebno

Brian Mahoney

Bob Parks Jr.

Bob Shives

James Yingling

' Pub date: 12/27/98