_edited.jpg){kind=logo}
Hop Aboard For a Ride Behind Our Vintage Locomotive
Discover our guided tours, climb aboard for an authentic train ride, try your hand at being an engineer, and witness the excitement of an active rail yard in action.
WELCOME TO THE NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Preserving America’s Rich Railroading Legacy
At the National Railway Historical Society, we are the nation’s leading voice in preserving and celebrating the history of railroads across the United States.
Our mission is defined by authenticity, education, and passion driven by railroad enthusiasts, historians, and preservationists who believe America’s rail heritage deserves to be remembered and experienced.
Through immersive exhibits, meticulously restored equipment, and interactive programs, we bring rail history to life. From steam to diesel, from historic depots to scenic excursions, we preserve the legacy of rail travel for future generations to explore and enjoy.
PRESERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION
Step into a moment frozen in time where it feels like the workers just went to lunch and never returned. What they left behind is more than history; it’s a complete, living railroad preserved as a National Historic Landmark.
Explore over 70 original buildings and structures, and traverse 30 miles of track that once powered a bustling industry.
This isn’t your typical museum.
Here, history isn’t just observed it’s experienced.
Get your hands on the past.
About Us
Leading the Way in Rail Preservation While There’s Still Time
Nobody questions the importance of our railways to the history of America, and yet our shared legacy is being threatened by rust, dust, the passage of time, and neglect. With its roots in the past and its eyes on the future, the NRHS is transforming rail preservation in the U.S. and now doing so by integrating STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and community engagement to ensure lasting impact.
We believe in preservation through education. By connecting future generations with the legacy of rail through hands-on learning, creative exploration, and local partnerships, we’re not just saving the past, we’re inspiring the future.
Visitor Information
Hours of Operation
Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm
Our Location
Our Phone Number
855-LUDLOWK
Membership Levels & Annual Dues
Regular Member | $30
Sustaining Member | $50
Senior Member | $25
Junior Member | $20
Associate Member| $20
A Modern Mission
Preserving Rail Through Innovation, Education, and Community
The National Railway Historical Society supports train, railway, and station preservation projects with hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded in Heritage Grants. But our mission goes beyond funding. We invest in educational initiatives, photographic archives, community events, publishing, standards development, and shared preservation resources.
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the NRHS champions programs that combine STEAM-based learning with history ensuring our work resonates with today’s youth, educators, and local communities. Contributions to NRHS are tax-deductible and help create a lasting foundation for learning and preservation.
People are having FUN!
What our museum visitors say about their experience at NRHS
Take a step back into time and become involved in preservation. Learn a new skill or make a new friend either way you are preserving the past while having fun.
