# Rail Preservation Groups

Part of the Railroading Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/railroading/guide/index.md)

*7. Railfanning Option*

> **7b3.** Locate the website of four rail historical groups, then find information on the history of the rail preservation operations and purpose of each group. Talk with a member of one of the groups and find out how you might help.

This requirement has two parts: research and a conversation. You research four organizations online to understand what they do and why, then you reach out to a member of one and learn about volunteer or participation opportunities.

## What Is a Rail Historical Group?

A rail historical group is a nonprofit organization (or formally organized club) whose mission is to preserve, document, restore, or promote the history of railroading. They do this through:

- **Restoring locomotives and rolling stock** — labor-intensive, skilled work to bring historic equipment back to operating condition
- **Maintaining archives** — collecting photographs, records, timetables, and documents from defunct railroads
- **Operating museums and tourist railroads** — running the preserved equipment for the public
- **Publishing research** — books, magazines, newsletters, and online resources about specific railroads, eras, or equipment types

## Four Groups to Research

Here are well-established organizations to start with — feel free to substitute any legitimate rail historical society that interests you:

**Railway and Locomotive Historical Society (RLHS)** — rlhs.org
One of the oldest railroad historical societies in North America (founded 1921). Publishes the *Railroad History* journal. Maintains a directory of member societies and preservation efforts across the US.

**National Railway Historical Society (NRHS)** — nrhs.com
A large membership organization with chapters in cities and regions across the country. Hosts annual conventions, publishes the *NRHS Bulletin*, and maintains local chapter activities ranging from excursions to volunteer restoration work.

**Railroad Preservation Alliance** — Many individual railroads have their own preservation societies (e.g., the Friends of the 844 for Union Pacific's famous steam locomotive No. 844, or the B&O Railroad Historical Society). Research a specific railroad that interests you and find its associated preservation group.

**Tourist Railroad and Museum Association (TRMA)** — trainhistory.org
A trade association for heritage railroad operators and museum directors. Its member directory is a useful starting point for finding operating heritage railroads near you.

> **Tip**
>
> You are not limited to national organizations. A local chapter of the NRHS, a regional railroad historical society, or the volunteer group maintaining a specific preserved locomotive all qualify. Local groups are often easier to reach, more eager for young volunteers, and can lead to hands-on opportunities.

## What to Find on Each Website

For each of the four organizations, note:
- When was the group founded and what was its original purpose?
- What railroad(s), era, or equipment type does it focus on?
- What preservation activities does it currently conduct?
- Does it have a local chapter or affiliated group near you?

## Talking With a Member

The requirement asks you to **talk with a member** of one of the four groups and find out how you might help. This is the most important step — it connects research to real people and real opportunities.

**How to reach someone:**
- Most organizations list contact information for officers or chapter leaders on their website
- Email is fine; introduce yourself as a Scout working on the Railroading merit badge
- Many groups have open meetings or work sessions you can attend

**What to ask:**
- What does this group actually do on a regular basis — work sessions, meetings, excursions?
- Can Scouts participate as volunteers?
- Is there any minimum age for hands-on restoration work?
- What skills or background would be useful to develop?

> **Did You Know?**
>
> Many heritage railroad volunteers have no railroad industry background at all — they are machinists, welders, carpenters, painters, electricians, and historians who learned their restoration skills on the job. Some groups also need help with photography, web content, and event planning — no technical experience required.

## For Your Counselor

Be ready to present your four organizations with a brief summary of each, and to describe the conversation you had with a member — what you learned about how to get involved and whether you are interested in following up.

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- Previous: [Ride a Historic Railroad](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/railroading/guide/req7b2/index.md)
- Next: [Plan and Take a Rail Trip](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/railroading/guide/req7b4/index.md)