What is the NRHS?The National Railway Historical Society was founded in 1935 when a group of rail enthusiasts
met on an excursion and decided to form an organization for the propagation of rail historic
preservation. The organization was incorporated two years later.
"The purpose for which this corporation or society is formed and the business or objects to be
carried on and promoted by it are mainly historical, educational, and not for profit. The more
particular objects are (a) to preserve historical materials of railway transportation of all kinds,
(b) to collect data on the history of transportation and to issue publications relating to this subject,
(c) to encourage rail transportation, (d) to acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise, real and
personal property, and to mortgage, sell, deed or otherwise manage same in a manor appropriate
for museum and the above mentioned purposes." (Constitution and By-Laws, Article II, Purpose)
That, in a capsule, gives our purpose for existing, From our humble beginning of two chapters -
one in Lancaster, PA; the other in New York - to more than 165 chapters from coast to coast,
in Canada, and the United Kingdom; from a few dozen members in those two chapters to over
21,000 worldwide, the Society has held true to the purposes spelled out above. While the "National"
gives guidance and offers suggestions, the local Chapter is autonomous, electing its own offices
and running its own affairs, with many incorporating for the purposes of running their own museums.
The National organization is governed by the Board of Directors, with each Chapter -
no matter its size - having one individual (National Director) on the Board. It is most generally
from this Board of Directors that the leadership of the Society evolves. The Board of Directors
holds three meetings each year to discuss the future of the organization and to make plans for its
success. Even though the meeting is for the Board, the Society's membership is invited to sit in
on the discussions. A National Convention and Annual Meeting are held each summer for the
benefit of the Society's members and guests.
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