About the
Harrisburg Chapter NRHS
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The Harrisburg Chapter is one of over 170 local affiliates of the National Railway Historical Society. The chapter received its charter from the NRHS in 1959 and was incorporated as a non-profit educational organization in 1971. The more than 250 members are dedicated to the preservation of rail artifacts and to the documentation of railroad history. Two completed capital projects are the restorations of ex-PRR GG1 4859, the very first GG1 to bring a revenue train into Harrisburg in 1938, and ex-PRR N6b caboose 980016. Both pieces of rolling stock are on permanent display at the Harrisburg Transportation Center.
In 1992, Harris Interlocking Tower was acquired by the Chapter from Amtrak. Since then, it has been almost completely restored to its appearance in 1945 and all facets of the interlocking machine, model board and communications equipment have been made operable so that the tower can be enjoyed by visitors. Many hours of membersŐ time and many dollars of chapter funds have been expended to make this a true museum piece to showcase this unique technology.
Other activities of the chapter are an annual train show and maintenance of a modular train layout. Recently, we have been involved in marketing chartered train excursions. Additionally, we hold an annual banquet in the spring.
The chapter meets monthly to share in the pursuit of our interests, usually the second Tuesday of the months from September to June. Our meetings begin with a business session at 7:00 pm, followed by a program of slides, a speaker or the like. The summer months feature a picnic, a facility tour or maybe a train ride.
Membership in the chapter includes voting privileges, the right to participate in activities and receipt of a monthly newsletter. Full chapter members are required to belong to the National Railway Historical Society. Members of other NRHS chapters as well as family members of full members are welcome to join the Harrisburg Chapter at reduced dues rates. Dues and other requirements are listed on the application. In 2007 the chapter established a new category of membership entitled "Friends of Harris Tower." Under this category, members do not necessarily belong to the National Railway Historical Society, but receive the chapter monthly newsletter and may attend chapter meetings. "Friends," however, are not permitted to hold office in the chapter or to vote at meetings.
We welcome you to attend a meeting and invite you to join our group.