Being a member of a local Chapter gives members and outlet for sharing the fun of railroading and your enthusiasm for this hobby with railroads with like-minded persons. But if there's not one in your local area, what can you do? Start your own!

Membership in a local Chapter is the great strength of the NRHS. Whether a member’s interest run to locomotives, signaling, operations, traction, models, research, preservation, restoration, collectibles, operating excursions or museums, writing and publishing or any other sub-division, local Chapter membership provides an outlet for his or her energy and a contagious conduit for sharing enthusiasm.

You will find rich rewards in sharing your love of railroads with like-minded persons. Mutual interests will generate mutual activities. There is strength in numbers.

Certain publications, conventions, excursions and other activities are sponsored exclusively by NRHS, whose local Chapters help make these activities possible. Each new Chapter, in addition to providing a conduit for your own enthusiasm, will provide fellowship, support of NRHS resources and an opportunity to enjoy more fully your own particular railroading interests. The fun begins at the Chapter level!

It really is not difficult to start an NRHS Chapter in your area! All you need is to recruit ten rail enthusiasts who want to become members of the NRHS through your Chapter and a little time and effort. In fact the NRHS will even help you get a Chapter going.

While you need to do some of the legwork in your area, our Director of Chapter Development will guide you through the process of obtaining a Chapter Charter and serve as your liasion with the NRHS. We have a handbook for Chapter operations to give you an idea of how the Society works, what your Chapter can expect from the Society, and vice-versa. We can even give you tips on finding members for your Chapter.

Below we've provided some answers to some frequently asked "Starter Questions." But don't stop here. Contact the National Office in Philadelphia. We'll have our Director of Chapter Development, Ms. Jeanne Hickam, contact you and help you get started on your way.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Starting an NRHS Chapter

Q: How can I get a group together to start a Chapter

A: If you desire to share your enthusiasm for rail activity, talk to a few like-minded friends and set a time and place for an organization meeting. Tell every prospect you know about your plans - friends with a similar interest, someone you’ve met on an excursion, a person you’ve seen photographing at trackside, modelers, anyone who likes to travel by rail, retired or active railroaders, descendants of railroading families, anyone who has written a letter to the editor about rail service and any person who has shown an interest in railroads in any way.

Your local newspaper and your local radio or television station may make a public service announcement about your organization meeting if you request it. A short entertainment program, perhaps a video or slide presentation, can serve as a draw. Arrange for an NRHS member, preferably one who is active in a Chapter in your area, to tell about the organization and its activities and benefits. Sign up members immediately. Elect a temporary president and secretary. Set the time and place for your next meeting. Contact Membership Development for information about forming a Chapter.

Q: Is a Chapter allowed to run its own activities?

A: The local Chapter is the lifeblood of NRHS. It has a great deal of autonomy and therefore, can tailor its activities to the wishes of its members and can best serve their interests, which often vary widely.

There should be a tolerance of diverse view points and interests. Development of a strong organization will help perpetuate the Chapter and avoid the pitfalls that arise from following the "indispensable" person. Clear lines of authority should be established without creating a dictatorship. Organize and plan. Set priorities and goals. Don’t just react.

Q: How many people do we need to form a Chapter?

A: The NRHS Constitution and By-Laws requires a minimum of ten members to form a Chapter. However, experience has shown that a Chapter will be more apt to succeed if it starts with fifteen or more members. Additionally, each Chapter can elect as many officers as its members consider desirable, but shall include a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and National Director, the latter to represent the Chapter on the National Board. The National Director must be a resident member of the Chapter, this being defined as a member who regularly attends meetings of the Chapter.

Q: What is involved in applying for a Chapter charter?

A: Obtaining a charter for a new NRHS Chapter is not complicated. It does, however, require some preparation, most of which is designed to maintain the Society’s standards and, most importantly, to ensure the success of your new Chapter.

First, you should assemble the group of potential charter members for the purpose of ironing out such details as where and how often the Chapter will meet as well as what it hopes to accomplish both long and short term. Next, compose a brief but clearly stated set of goals and objectives. This will enable the members of your new organization to channel their efforts toward common goals and will also provide a basis for a Statement of Purpose for your Chapter if you decide to incorporate at a later date.

Then, complete the charter application and collect membership applications and dues. Any group seeking a charter for a new NRHS Chapter should submit with its application a set of proposed by-laws that are consistent with those of the Society.

Q: So how do I get more information about starting a Chapter?

A: Well, the fastest way is to contact via e-mail the Chapter Development Director. Or, you can send a U.S. mail request to the NRHS' Philadelphia address. Please provide us with your name and address (e-mail address optional but most helpful) and we will send all information necessary to start the process for granting your Chapter Charter.