Becoming a member
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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.
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Here is what you can expect with your membership:
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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.
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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:
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1. By mail - Please download the 2026 New Member Application, fill it out, and send it to the following address with your membership payment:
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NYCSHS Membership
P.O. BOX 0126
Oak Creek, WI 53154-0126
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or
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2. Online - Our Collinwood Shop makes joining both quick and convenient. Please be sure to scroll down BOTH pages to view all membership options.
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NOTE: Previous and current members should renew their membership using either our 2026 Membership Renewal Form or the Collinwood Shop.
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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.
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New York Central System Historical Society
