Two 10-foot-wide 1848 brick rowhouses, a block from the B&O Museum, have been restored as a monument to the thousands of Irish workers who lived here and worked for the railroad. One house, with its original plaster walls and floors, is sparsely furnished for a family of eight and a boarder. Next door is a museum devoted to Irish Baltimoreans, with photo displays and a heartfelt video presentation. Volunteer guides are well acquainted with -- and may be related to -- past residents; their stories are personal and folksy. Even if you're not interested in the Irish, it's worth a visit to see a typical pre-Civil War Baltimore home. Because the back wall has been replaced with glass, it is possible to see inside the house any time; volunteers offer house tours most Saturdays. Always call ahead.