The Western Connecticut Chapter – NRHS (WestConn Chapter) was established in April of 1953 in Stamford, Connecticut. The Chapter is part of the National Railway Historical Society, the largest rail preservation group in the world. There are chapters throughout the United States.  Members of the society share an enthusiasm for preserving artifacts and the history of railroading in America.

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To meet those ends, the Chapter engages in a variety of activities. The foremost of those is the monthly Chapter meeting, held on the fourth Monday evening of each month. At these meetings, after a short time for Chapter business, there is a slide or video presentation by a member or special guest of the Chapter. The meetings are open to the public without an admission charge. Refreshments are available.

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The Chapter hosts almost-weekly Zoom meetings. Members are treated to a wide variety of impressive railroad photos presented by photographers, often railroaders, from around the Country. After each presentation, members stay on to share stories from their days on the railroad. The Zoom meetings are very popular and the discussions are lively and engaging. 

The most important function of the Chapter is as the operator of the SoNo Switch Tower Museum. The museum is contained in former New Haven Railroad Signal Station 44 in South Norwalk, Connecticut.  Located at 77 Washington Street, the Tower is open to the public, with interpretive displays and narration about signaling and train control. Please join us at the tower.

The Chapter hosted the 2000 National Convention of the Society, New Haven Rails 2000, in Stamford from July 11 through July 16 of 2000. This event was very popular among the over 600 attendees and quite successful for the Chapter. The Chapter also hosted the Society’s Board of Directors meeting and conference in 2009, as well as the 2015 convention of the Penn Central Railroad Historical Society.

The annual picnic, held along the CSX River Line, and annual banquet are two popular Chapter events.  They provide time for members to gather, socialize and talk railroading.

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The Western Connecticut Chapter - NRHS, Inc. is a not for profit 501 (c) (3) all volunteer organization.