Harrisburg CHAPTER NRHS

The Harrisburg Chapter is one of over 160 local chapters of the National Railway Historical Society, which supports railway preservation and education projects nationwide. The chapter received its charter from the NRHS in 1959 and was incorporated as a non-profit educational organization in 1971. A full history of the chapter through 1984 is available here. The more than 200 Chapter members are dedicated to the preservation of rail artifacts and to the documentation of railroad history. The Harrisburg Chapter is a charter member of the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in the Jeffersonian category, a member of the Historic Harrisburg Association, and a member of the HeritageRail Alliance.

In 1992, Harris Interlocking Tower was acquired from Amtrak by the Chapter. It has since been completely restored to its appearance in 1945, and all facets of the original interlocking machine, model board, and communications equipment have been made operable. Harris Tower is now the headquarters for the Harrisburg Chapter and is open to the public as a museum (click here for visitor information).

The Chapter maintains a non-circulating research library within Harris Tower that is open during normal museum operating hours or by appointment. At this time, no copying facilities are available.

The Chapter also owns and maintains PRR GG1 electric locomotive #4859 (the very first GG1 to bring a revenue train into Harrisburg in 1938) and PRR N6b wooden caboose (cabin car) #980016. Both of these pieces of restored railroad rolling stock are on permanent display at the platforms of the Harrisburg Transportation Center.

The Chapter continues to be active, hosting an annual train show and an annual banquet in the spring. The Chapter’s membership meets monthly (except for July and August) to share in the pursuit of our interests. During the summer, one of these meetings is in the form of a picnic.

Membership in the Chapter includes voting privileges, the right to participate in activities, and receipt of the Chapter’s 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. A reduced membership level for non-NRHS members, called “Friends of Harris Tower,” allows these members to receive the monthly newsletter and attend Chapter meetings, but not hold office in the Chapter or vote at meetings. Dues information and other requirements are available on our membership page.