Wisconsin Chapter, NRHS - Wisconsin Chapter, NRHS

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 thousands of 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 first Friday evening of most months in Fox Point, just north of Milwaukee, and streamed online. Meeting programs are presented by leading local railroad historians, photographers, enthusiasts, and people involved with the railroad industry. Meetings are always open to the public, and no admission fee is charged. If you find yourself aligned with the goals of the chapter, or if you find value in our meeting programs, please consider joining.

Bookmark the chapter's YouTube channel (youtube.com/@NRHSWis) and follow us on Facebook.

Wisconsin Chapter meetings are held on the first Friday of every month (except July & August), at 7:30 p.m., in the lower level meeting room of the North Shore Congregational Church, 7330 North Santa Monica Boulevard in Fox Point, Wisconsin. Click here for a Bing map and directions.

Our meetings are always open to members and anyone who has an interest in railroad history or today's railroad operations. No admission fee is charged.

We stream our meetings via Zoom for the benefit of anyone who cannot attend in-person. To be advised of Zoom connection information, and to receive occasional chapter updates, become a member today.

Upcoming meetings:

Friday, May 1, 2026, 7:30 PM CDT
Special venue for this meeting only: Cudahy Historical Society Depot, 4647 South Kinnicninnic Avenue, Cudahy

Chapter Director Dan Grudzielanek presents “Short Lines and Regionals."

Toledo, Peoria & Western. Photo by Dan Grudzielanek

Looking for some variety in North American railroading these days? Look no further than the more than 600 short line and regional freight railroads found across the continent. Short lines often operate older or unusual locomotives you won’t see on major systems like Union Pacific or BNSF Railway. You might catch rebuilt engines, rare paint schemes, or even locomotives from defunct railroads still in service. Many short lines operate former branch lines of larger railroads, sometimes preserving routes that would otherwise be abandoned. For railfans, it can feel like stepping back in time—especially when older equipment is still in use. Because short lines rely on whatever equipment they can acquire and maintain, there’s a lot of unpredictability—which railfans love.

Mineral Range. Photo by Dan Grudzielanek

Dan Grudzielanek has been able to photograph many of these unique railroads over the past few decades. His presentation will include visits to more than 40 different short line, regional, and even a few industrial railroads. We'll see railroads such as Florida East Coast, Wisconsin & Southern, Wisconsin Central, Iowa Traction, Montana Rail Link, Indiana Railroad and many more.

If you are able, please attend in person at our regular meeting venue in Fox Point; doors open before 7:00 pm for social time. Those who cannot attend in person are encouraged to download the latest version of Zoom software to their computers (or tablets, or smartphones) to attend virtually. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to access this event remotely; a link will be posted here a day or two in advance of the meeting. Contact membership (at-sign) nrhswis (period) org with any questions before 3:00 pm May 1.