The Arkansas-Boston Mountains Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society

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.

The chapter meets at 7pm on the third Thursday of each month at the General Store located at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, 118 West Johnson, in downtown Springdale except December. Meetings are cancelled when the Springdale public schools are closed. Visitors are welcome at all meetings.

Each meeting includes railroad slide and video presentations by local railfans and historians.  Other chapter activities include restoring rail equipment, managing rail museums, running rail excursions, publishing newsletters and books, or simply providing a way to enjoy the lore of railroading.  Chapter affiliation brings people together to exchange ideas and information about their avocation and to take part in group activities.

"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 apprpropriate for museum and the above mentioned purposes."- Extract from the Chapter By-Laws

Chapter members have a wide range of backgrounds. Currently only one one member has a railroad background.The members, male and female, men and women 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 170 chapters and 17,000 members throughout the world, making it the nation’s largest railroad historical society.Information on the Society and information about Chapter locations is available at NRHS.com.