Danville Junction Chapter, NRHS

Membership Information

The importance of the railroads to the growth and expansion of the United States is a compelling story. We all share a genuine interest in this all-encompassing industry which has woven an iron and steel path across the face of the nation.

In 1935, inspired by the interest in preserving what had passed as well as what lay ahead, a group of rail historians formed the National Railway Historical Society. From fewer than 40 persons, the NRHS has grown to include over 20,000 men and women of all ages and professions in every state and many foreign countries, making it the nation's largest rail historical society.

Our Chapter, chartered in 1968, is a non-profit historical and educational group dedicated to enhancing the enjoyment, knowledge and involvement of rail enthusiasts in the East Central Illinois and West Central Indiana areas.

If you share our interest in history, trains and railroading then we beleive that our organization is for you. While our members have widely varied interests in trains, they all share a deep commitment to the preservation, restoration and operation of railroad equipment.

Our monthly meetings bring members together to share stories, photographs and news of railroading. Members and guests provide programs for the enjoyment of all who attend.

The Chapter maintains a museum in the former Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad depot in Rossville, Illinios. Here is preserved the history of area railroads. The building is located next to the Chicago to Nashville mainline of CSX Transportation and is open weekends throughout the summer months. Members who are also model railroaders have constructed a large HO scale model railroad in the former baggage room.

Optional membership with the National Railway Historical Society is also encouraged. It's an organization of over 150 chapters across the country. With either Chapter-only or full NRHS membership, it entitles you to receive our own monthly Chapter newsletter, The Danville Flyer. NRHS members get their publications as well. Members are also free to enjoy the benefits of the museum which includes the model railroad, a library of books and magazines and a large collection of historical material from the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad and other area roads.

Be it photography, working on a model railroad or researching railroad history, there is something for you in the Danville Junction Chapter. We invite you to join us!

CLICK HERE for the membership application.