B&O Railroad Honors Simply Amish

Royalties from licensed collection benefit B&O Railroad Museum

Amish case goods manufacturer Simply Amish has been recognized by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore for its licensing initiatives that have brought both attention and royalties to the famed railroad operation.

This dining set is part of the B&O Railroad collection by Simply Amish.

B&O Railroad Museum Executive Director presented Simply Amish owner and executive Kevin Kauffman with an award for its B&O collection of bedroom, dining room and occasional pieces whose forms incorporate themes and design elements mirror elements of the iconic railroad. These include railroad spikes and arches that mimic early railroad bridges. Proceeds from the licensing agreement, including royalties received from Simply Amish support early childhood education programs at the railroad museum. These include the railroad's STEAM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).

"Our award-winning Early Childhood programs consistently provide exceptional children's exhibits and experiences so that the community around us can engage and learn more in a unique setting," said Courtney Wilson, railroad museum executive director in a letter to Kauffman. "Last year alone, our programs touched more than 40,000 early learners." Wilson went on to say that the museum has an extensive collection of nearly 500 prints and paintings and more than 250,000 photos and tens of thousands of architectural and engineering drawings, historical maps and media materials.

"By using these historically relevant pieces in connection with our STEAM educational efforts, we are building, engaging and stimulating creative learning for young minds", Wilson said adding that the "royalites received through our licensing program with Simply Amish have been invaluable."

As part of the recognition, Kauffman received a wooden pen, whose wood was reclaimed from a steam locomotive that was destroyed in a roof collapse at the museum.

"Many of our Amish craftsman travel longer distances by rail," Kauffman noted. "We're all rail fans who marvel at the Western expansion of America, which was greatly aided by 19th century railroads."

Article by Thomas Russell, Associate Editor of Furniture Today