Wisconsin Chapter, National Railway Historical Society

Wisconsin NRHS is a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. 

The NRHS was founded in 1935 by a group of rail historians. It has since grown from 40 founding members to include over 13,000 men and women of all ages and professions in every state and many foreign countries, making it the nation's largest rail preservation and historical society. More information about NRHS may be found at www.nrhs.com.

The Wisconsin Chapter was founded in 1950. Our purpose is to gather, preserve and disseminate information, both historic and current, pertaining to railroading in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.

The chapter holds membership meetings on the the first Friday evening of the month (excepting July and August) in Fox Point, just north of Milwaukee. Meeting programs are presented by leading local railroad historians, photogaphers, and enthusiasts. Meetings are always open to the public, and no admission fee is charged. Click the "Meetings" menu for details on our next meeting.

The Wisconsin Chapter mourns the death of long-time member, and past President (2010-2011), Robert "Bob" McLeod, who passed away June 8, 2016 at age 85.  Bob enjoyed a long career as a railroader with the Milwaukee Road, retiring as an Amtrak engineer. He was an early member of the Wisconsin Chapter, but was an intermittent member until 1990 when he joined, as he put it, "for keeps."  Even after his Presidency, Bob continued to serve the Chapter by driving to the printer, labeling, and mailing Sparks & Cinders, our monthly newsletter. Bob, who could strike up new friendships at the drop of a hat, continued to serve the Chapter in its Events committee even in the final weeks of his life.  He leaves his wife of 62 years, Betty Jo, daughter Andrea, two brothers, and a host of friends in the Chapter who are saddened at his sudden and unexpected death.