Post by jag11 on Oct 11, 2008 8:43:30 GMT -5
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum has tapped “Family Ties” actor Michael Gross to be its first-ever spokesperson.
Gross will appear in a museum film that welcomes visitors and will make public appearances at museum fund-raising events. B&O spokeswoman Stefanie Hare said Gross is performing the work pro bono because of his interest in railroads. Museum officials hope Gross’ efforts will elevate the museum’s profile and gain resources for education and preservation programs.
Gross is the grandson and great-grandson of railroaders and part owner of the Santa Fe Southern Railway. He and his wife, Elza, also collect dining car china, silver, and other memorabilia of the Santa Fe railroad, an eighteen-mile freight and passenger carrier.
Best known for playing Steven Keaton on “Family Ties,” Gross is currently starring in soap opera “Young and the Restless.” As a museum that appeals to families, the B&O thought Gross’ former role as a TV dad would make him a good spokesperson, Hare said.
The B&O Museum is Greater Baltimore’s eighth largest arts organization, with a $3.2 million budget, according to Baltimore Business Journal research. It receives about 200,000 visitors a year. The museum features 19th century steam locomotives and items collected from railroads, including clocks, textiles, lanterns and silver.
Gross will appear in a museum film that welcomes visitors and will make public appearances at museum fund-raising events. B&O spokeswoman Stefanie Hare said Gross is performing the work pro bono because of his interest in railroads. Museum officials hope Gross’ efforts will elevate the museum’s profile and gain resources for education and preservation programs.
Gross is the grandson and great-grandson of railroaders and part owner of the Santa Fe Southern Railway. He and his wife, Elza, also collect dining car china, silver, and other memorabilia of the Santa Fe railroad, an eighteen-mile freight and passenger carrier.
Best known for playing Steven Keaton on “Family Ties,” Gross is currently starring in soap opera “Young and the Restless.” As a museum that appeals to families, the B&O thought Gross’ former role as a TV dad would make him a good spokesperson, Hare said.
The B&O Museum is Greater Baltimore’s eighth largest arts organization, with a $3.2 million budget, according to Baltimore Business Journal research. It receives about 200,000 visitors a year. The museum features 19th century steam locomotives and items collected from railroads, including clocks, textiles, lanterns and silver.