National Railway Historical Society

National Railway Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and documentation of rail transport history in the United States, with a focus on steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, and electric locomotives, as well as the history of railroads in North America, including the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and Pennsylvania Railroad. The society was founded in 1935 by a group of railfans, including Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg, who were passionate about preserving the history of railroads in the United States, such as the Union Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Railroad. The organization has since grown to include over 100 chapters across the country, with members from all walks of life, including train conductors, locomotive engineers, and railway historians, such as John H. White and David P. Morgan.

● History

The National Railway Historical Society was established in 1935, with the goal of preserving the history of railroads in the United States, including the Transcontinental Railroad and the First Transcontinental Railroad. The society's early years were marked by the collection and preservation of railroad artifacts, such as locomotives, railway cars, and railroad equipment, from railroad companies like the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad and the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. The society also began to publish a newsletter, which featured articles on railroad history, including the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the development of the steam locomotive. Over time, the society has expanded its scope to include the preservation of historic railroad stations, such as Grand Central Terminal and Union Station (Washington, D.C.), and the documentation of railroad history through photography and film, with the help of photographers like O. Winston Link and film makers like Ken Burns.

● Organization

The National Railway Historical Society is a non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors composed of railroad historians, railfans, and preservationists, including John W. Barriger III and Arthur D. Dubin. The society is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has a staff of full-time employees who work to support the organization's mission and goals, including the preservation of railroad history and the education of the public about railroads in the United States, such as the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum and the California State Railroad Museum. The society also has a network of volunteers, who work to support the organization's chapters and preservation efforts, including the restoration of historic locomotives like the Southern Pacific 4449 and the Union Pacific Big Boy.

● Chapters

The National Railway Historical Society has over 100 chapters across the United States, each with its own leadership and membership, including the Pacific Northwest Chapter and the New England Chapter. These chapters work to support the organization's mission and goals, through local preservation efforts, such as the restoration of historic railroad stations like the Santa Fe Depot (San Diego, California) and the Union Station (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), and educational programs, such as train rides and museum exhibits, featuring historic locomotives like the Flying Scotsman and the Mallard (locomotive). The chapters also work to promote the history of railroads in their local area, through events and exhibits, such as the National Train Day and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

● Preservation_Efforts

The National Railway Historical Society is involved in a variety of preservation efforts, including the restoration of historic locomotives like the Texas and Pacific 610 and the Southern Railway 4501, and the preservation of historic railroad stations like the Grand Central Terminal and the Union Station (Washington, D.C.). The society also works to document railroad history through photography and film, with the help of photographers like Richard Steinheimer and film makers like Greg Scholl. Additionally, the society provides financial support for preservation projects, such as the restoration of the Norfolk and Western 611 and the preservation of the California Zephyr, through grants and donations from members and supporters, including the Brookville Equipment Corporation and the Railway Supply Institute.

● Awards_and_Recognition

The National Railway Historical Society presents several awards each year, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, which has been awarded to railroad historians like John H. White and David P. Morgan, and the Preservation Award, which has been awarded to preservationists like John W. Barriger III and Arthur D. Dubin. The society also recognizes outstanding contributions to railroad history and preservation, through certificates of appreciation and special recognition, such as the National Railroad Hall of Fame and the Railway Museum of Pennsylvania. The society's awards and recognition programs are designed to promote excellence in railroad history and preservation, and to recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations to the field, including the American Railroad Association and the Association of American Railroads.

● Conventions_and_Events

The National Railway Historical Society hosts several conventions and events each year, including the annual convention, which features presentations and exhibits on railroad history and preservation, with speakers like John W. Barriger III and Arthur D. Dubin. The society also hosts regional meetings and workshops, which provide opportunities for members to network and learn about railroad history and preservation, with the help of experts like Richard Steinheimer and Greg Scholl. Additionally, the society participates in national events, such as the National Train Day and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, to promote awareness and appreciation of railroad history and preservation, with the support of organizations like the American Railroad Association and the Association of American Railroads. Category:Rail transport organizations