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About The NRHS
The Beginning of Rail Preservation in America
The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) was established in 1935 by a dedicated group of rail historians who shared a deep passion for preserving America’s rich transportation heritage. What began as a modest organization with just 40 founding members has grown into a vibrant and diverse community of over 13,000 individuals from all walks of life. From professional railroad engineers and educators to students, historians, and everyday enthusiasts, NRHS members are united by a common goal: to celebrate, protect, and promote the legacy of railroads in shaping the nation’s history and identity.
Rail Preservation in America
Rail preservation in America is essential to keeping our nation’s rich and dynamic railroad history alive for future generations. The railroads played a critical role in shaping the economic, industrial, and cultural landscape of the United States, connecting communities, transporting goods, and fueling growth across the country. From meticulously restored historic locomotives to beautifully preserved vintage passenger cars, each artifact tells a powerful story of innovation, resilience, and national progress. These rolling pieces of history serve not only as educational tools but also as symbols of the ingenuity and determination that built America. By supporting rail preservation efforts, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply visiting a historic rail site, we honor the legacy of the people and the machines that helped shape our modern world and continue to inspire curiosity, pride, and connection in communities today.
Our Mission
Carrying the Mission Forward-
What began as our original mission to preserve the legacy of steam and electric railway history, support the art and hobby of model railroading, collect vital transportation data, and advocate for the value of rail transportation has only grown stronger and more expansive over the decades. Today, the National Railway Historical Society proudly continues this mission with renewed energy and broader outreach. Through active engagement with local communities, we foster a deeper appreciation for railway heritage at the grassroots level. We host educational workshops, offer hands-on experiences, and develop programs that connect people of all ages to the past, present, and future of rail. By incorporating STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities into our events and initiatives, we not only bring railway history to life but also inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, and transportation leaders. Our mission has evolved, but our commitment to preserving and promoting America’s rail legacy remains as strong as ever.
NRHS Conferences
Where Education Meets Exploration
Each year, the NRHS hosts two to three national Conferences that combine business, education, and community engagement. These multi-day events offer members access to rail preservation seminars, STEAM-oriented learning experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours of historic rail sites.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to explore regional rail heritage hands-on, share stories, and contribute to the future of preservation. These conferences are more than meetings they are immersive, educational experiences that spark lifelong connections between history, innovation, and local communities.
Our Commitments
The National Railway Historical Society of Northern Kentucky Greater Cincinnati provides its members with the opportunity to offer education through restoration while restoring/operating vintage railroad equipment and collaborating with organizations both within our region and abroad.
Preserving Historical Integrity
We are committed to restoring railroad equipment, structures and artifacts our organization is preserving history one piece at a time for future generations to enjoy. From younger to older our volunteers play a key role in being able to learn history first-hand by applying their skill sets and interests in projects. No one is expected to have experience but everyone is expected to have memorable experience.
SOUTHERN Caboose X554
In 2019 the Ludlow Heritage Museum was given the opportunity to save a piece of our
S O U T H E R N Railroad history by collaborating with the City of Junction City, Kentucky. The collaboration resulted in one of the most accurate restorations in the region. Both inside and out the caboose represents our community's heritage and it's commitment to the railroad and those men and women that built our community.
The Ludlow Rail Yard Storehouse
The 1892 Cincinnati New Orleans Texas & Pacific (CNO&TP) Storehouse stands a historic historic landmark, central to Ludlow's rich railroading legacy. Originally built as a supply and maintenance hub for the regions bustling rail network, this structure is a lasting testament to the towns industrial heritage.
The Ludlow Heritage Museum and the NRHS of Northern Kentucky-Cincinnati are dedicated to preserving this iconic building and transforming it into a vibrant asset for both the community and the region.
General Electric 25 Ton Diesel
From cabooses to locomotives the passion of rail innovations in technology is a key factor in involving the membership in sustainable restoration projects. Built in May of 1951 this General Electric 150 horsepower locomotive would remain in active service until 2019. When acquired the locomotive had seen it's better days but certainly has brighter ones ahead of it.
Members and STEAM students are currently replacing rusty components, body panels and testing the electrical in readying the locomotive to fire-up in becoming an example of transportation technology and innovations in railroading.
Visitor Information
Hours of Operation
Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm
Our Location
Our Phone Number
855-LUDLOWK
Membership Levels & Annual Dues
Chapter Membership | 50$
Student Membership | 16$
Our Team
Our program is coupled with volunteers to create a team that preserves the equipment and Storehouse to historic standards. Our volunteers and STEAM students have invested thousands of hours in restoration projects such as locomotives, rolling stock and our historic Storehouse. Our museum staff preserves the archive material and artifacts and acts as an ambassador for our community and historic railroad community.
Volunteers join us from all over the U.S. and the world and are an integral part of what makes the NRHS an American treasure. We encourage everyone of any age to become a member to preserve our rich railroad heritage and preservation through education happen.
