Becoming a member
For as little as $49.00 a year, you can join the New York Central System Historical Society and gain entry to a world of information about one of America’s largest and diverse railroad transportation systems!
First-time memberships are $25.00 for those who have never been a NYCSHS member before.
Here is what you can expect with your membership:
FOUR issues of the popularly acclaimed Central Headlight - the official publication of the NYCSHS. Each issue contains a wealth of information each quarter: From steam to diesel (and electric), from freight to passenger, from branch line to mainline, and from the early days of Vanderbilt to the waning months of Young and Perlman - the Central Headlight covers it all.
Our annual NYCSHS conventions, which are comprised of 3 days of informative speakers, presentations, and tours focusing on the history, modeling, and preservation of the New York Central System (NYCS). Our Saturdays conclude with a delicious sit-down dinner together, followed by a guest speaker on the topic of the NYCS. The evening concludes with our annual business meeting.
Members enjoy access and a 20% discount on many NYCS reference books, drawings, CDs/DVDs, models, apparel, and memorabilia available for purchase through our NYCSHS Collinwood Shop.
Access to our FREE online quarterly NYCentral Modeler magazine - In publication since 2011!
Our ever-growing, online NYCSHS Electronic Archive allows you access to a large amount of research & reference material on the NYCS including its history, photos, maps, and drawings.
Access to our NYCSHS-Members Groups.io forum, where you can exchange information and ask questions with other NYCSHS members about the NYCS.
PLEASE NOTE...
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Our membership year runs one calendar year from January 1 to December 31.
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Central Headlight options:
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All US memberships have a choice of either PRINT or DIGITAL copy of our Central Headlight for the base membership fee - Print and digital copies are available at an additional charge.
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All Canadian and Mexican memberships receive a DIGITAL copy of our Central Headlight for the base membership fee - There is an additional charge to switch to PRINT copy. Print and digital copies are available for a further additional charge.
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All International memberships receive a DIGITAL copy ONLY of our Central Headlight for the base membership fee - Print and digital copies are available for an additional charge.
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The Society NO longer offers new life memberships - Life categories are for existing Life Members only.
Interested in joining? Here are two ways you can become a member of the NYCSHS:
1. By mail - Please download the 2026 New Member Application, fill it out, and send it to the following address with your membership payment:
NYCSHS Membership
P.O. BOX 0126
Oak Creek, WI 53154-0126
or
2. Online - Our Collinwood Shop makes joining both quick and convenient. Please be sure to scroll down BOTH pages to view all membership options.
NOTE: Previous and current members should renew their membership using either our 2026 Membership Renewal Form or the Collinwood Shop.
In 2-4 weeks you will receive a letter of acknowledgment in the mail about your membership, that also includes a handsome membership card and unique NYCSHS number used to receive your 20% discount in our Collinwood Shop.
Are you a member but your contact information has changed? Changes and updates can be sent in either of the following ways:
1. By mail
NYCSHS Membership
P.O. BOX 0126
Oak Creek, WI 53154-0126
or
2. By e-mail - membership@nycshs.org
*IMPORTANT: As a member, keeping your contact information up-to-date is CRITICAL so that there is no interruption in delivery of your quarterly Central Headlight, yearly membership card, membership renewal reminder, yearly Board of Directors election forms and candidate information, and any upcoming events regarding the New York Central System Historical Society.
New York Central System Historical Society
