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The Arkansas-Boston Mountains Chapter
National Railway Historical Society
The Arkansas Boston Mountains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society meets at the ADA-compliant Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale, Ark. Our monthly meetings are in person but also available live on Zoom. Chapter meetings typically include a presentation by railfans and historians. Check your email for Zoom link. Meetings are year round, but are not held when the Springdale public schools are closed due to inclement winter weather. Visitors are welcome at all meetings.
Railroads have been a vital tool in the expansion and growth of the United States. Since the 1880s, railroads have been an important part of the culture and economy of Northwest Arkansas. In order to preserve and promote this railroad history, a local chapter of the NRHS was formed in Northwest Arkansas in 1987.
WHO WE ARE
Our chapter has included men and women from school age to over 90, who enjoy railroads and railroad history. It brings people together to exchange ideas and information, participate in group activities, and simply enjoy the lore of railroading.
We publish a monthly newsletter. Other activities over the years include organizing road trips and rail excursions, supporting and participating in community events, and sponsoring a high-schooler to attend summer RailCamp. The chapter is an historical, educational, and non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The chapter is part of the larger National Railway Historical Society. Formed in 1935, the NRHS has dozens of chapters and about 5000 to 6000 members, making it the nation’s largest railroad historical society. NRHS activities include annual conventions, and publication of the Bulletin, which features railroad history articles. More information is available at NRHS.com.
"The purpose for which this Chapter is formed and the business or objectives are mainly historical, educational and not for profit. The more particular objectives are (a) to preserve the 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; and (d) to acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise , real or personal property, to mortgage, sell, deed or otherwise manage the same in a manner appropriate for museum and the above mentioned purposes."- Extract from the Chapter By-Laws
Chapter members have a wide range of backgrounds. The members, male and female, are united by an interest in railroading, perhaps from times gone by, and an interest in preserving the railroad history of Northwest Arkansas and the United States.
About the NRHS
Formed in 1935, the National Railway Historical Society now has over 150 chapters and 11,500 members throughout the world, making it the nation’s largest railroad historical society. Information on the Society and Chapter locations is available at NRHS.com.
