Membership Meetings

Chessie membership meetings are normally held on the first Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Bauer Drive Community Center at 4625 Bauer Drive, Rockville, Maryland. There's free parking at the center, plus there are several restaurants across the street for those who arrive early and wish to grab a bite before the meeting.

Our meetings feature a wide variety of rail topics, to include slide shows of current and long-gone railway operations, rail-oriented films, historical presentations on a particular railroad, as well as freight and passenger rail industry professionals. There's something for everyone and, as an added incentive, those who provide a presentation receive a free year's membership.

For several months of the year we take our meetings to other locations near railroads to "enjoy the ambiance."

Huntington Railroad Museum

Each June we gather at the Huntington Railroad Museum in Bowie, Maryland, adjacent to the Amtrak Northeast Corridor, where we're hosted by longtime Chessie member Ashby Kelley. During these meetings we set out tables and chairs and enjoy a snack and soft drinks while Amtrak and MARC provide us with a steady parade of passenger trains.

Silver Spring B&O Station

August meetings take place at the beautifully restored Silver Spring B&O passenger station where the evening's presentations are augmented by the trains of CSX, Amtrak and MARC.

Annual Picnic

In September we forego the regular Wednesday meeting in favor of our annual weekend picnic at the Walkersville Community Park in Walkersville, Maryland, located alongside the Walkersville Southern Railroad. This is a joint Chessie-WS event at which we enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, chips, cookies and soft drinks, relaxing in the mild weather while we're entertained with bluegrass music. Our picnics include special excursion rides on WS trains and track cars and photo runbys. Like all other Chessie gatherings, you're welcome to bring friends and family to enjoy a day on the railroad. Dates for the picnics vary each year, so contact Chessie to for specific times and dates. This year's picnic will take place on Sunday, September 7, at 1 p.m.

National Capital Trolley Museum

Each October we head to the National Capital Trolley Museum for evening trolley rides as well as railway topic presentation.

Why stay home to watch reruns on TV when you can join your friends in enjoying railroad presentations and activities? Contact Chessie to come aboard and join in the fun!

Picnic Photo Credits: Black & White: Alex Mayes; Color: Bob Thompson