About the D&HRHS

The Delaware & Hudson Railway Historical Society, Inc. (D&HRHS) was formed in 2023 as a non-profit organization in the State of New York. Governed by a board of directors with ages spanning six decades, the group aims to harness modern technology and communication methods to further the preservation, interpretation, and promotion of the history of the Delaware & Hudson Railway and its predecessors. This vibrant railroad with a rich history operated from 1829 to 1991 and was the longest-running transportation company in U.S. history; to learn more about the railroad’s history and timeline, click here.

The D&HRHS operates almost exclusively using online connectivity and cutting-edge technology, catering to a younger audience that wishes to see the D&H preserved well into the 21st century. The group is paperless; communications and publications are distributed digitally via an email list, social media platforms, or the organization’s members-only Discord server/forum. Memberships are handled through Patreon, a popular online tool for content creators that allows monthly (rather than annual) subscriptions to reduce one-time expenditures by members and maintain a constant cash flow for the Society.

By harnessing digital technology, the D&HRHS is able to keep its overhead costs extremely low. There is no printing and mailing fee for a magazine, and by partnering with other established organizations to use, improve, and share their existing facilities, archives, and equipment, the D&HRHS has no significant expense for storage or maintenance of physical material. Most membership events, including presentations and interviews with D&H veterans and historians, are held virtually through Zoom or other similar software, allowing members across the world to view and participate without the need for a physical venue. Recordings of these meetings are preserved on YouTube for future reference. On the occasion that a partner railroad or museum hosts an in-person D&HRHS event, admission costs are typically passed on to the attending D&HRHS members or covered by a benefactor. The only overhead costs are those minimal fees associated with the web services used by the organization, such as website and file hosting and Zoom subscriptions.

With such little overhead cost to support, the D&HRHS’s membership levels start at just $1/month. Even those with just a cursory interest in the D&H are encouraged to join the D&HRHS, check out the members-only Champlain Shield digital newsletter on Patreon, and join the members-only Discord server to interact with other D&H fans.