About the NKPHTS

The Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society, Inc. was formed in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1966. The NKPHTS was incorporated in the state of Ohio in 1972 as a nonprofit, non-stock corporation organized for educational purposes. We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service, so all contributions of material and money are tax deductible. Information on donating money and materials to the NKPHTS may be found here. 

OUR PURPOSE

The Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and promoting the memory of the New York, Chicago, & St. Louis Railroad Company - the Nickel Plate Road. 

The purpose of the NKPHTS is to maintain an association of persons interested in the former New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad (Nickel Plate Road), and to obtain, preserve, and distribute information and material related to the former Nickel Plate Road, its predecessors, and lessees. The intent of the NKPHTS is to promote, support, and preserve the historic legacy of the Nickel Plate Road through the creation of programs designed to be of benefit and service to its members, as well as to assist qualified, non-profit museums, libraries, rail groups, and historical organizations, either financially or technically, in the preservation, conservation, and/or collection of material, equipment, and memorabilia relating to the railroad and its predecessors. The NKPHTS is comprised of a network of Nickel Plate members and modelers, and the organization offers discounted NKP models in the NKPHTS company store.

What We Do

The NKPHTS publishes the quarterly Nickel Plate Road Magazine devoted to the history of the Nickel Plate Road, Lake Erie & Western, Wheeling & Lake Erie, and the Toledo, St. Louis & Western (Clover Leaf) railroads. Included from time to time are articles on the current status of Nickel Plate facilities and rolling stock, and other railroads' joint operation with the Nickel Plate. The color magazine is printed on high-quality paper and generously illustrated with photos and maps. The Society publishes two eZines; the monthly E-List Newsletter, which provides timely information on Society news and events, Nickel Plate related news, new NKP model products, website updates, and more; and the Nickel Plate Road Modeler's Notebook, that presents topical material to the Society's modelers in all modeling scales, areas of interest, and levels of ability, and to explore the world of Nickel Plate Road models and modeling with photos, how-to-articles, reviews, and news of new NKP products. 

For over thirty-five years the NKPHTS has published an annual calendar with fourteen high-quality photographs of the NKP, TStL&W, LE&W, and W&LE railroads. 

From time to time the Society has embarked on a limited run offering of a special project. These have included timetable reprints, lithographs, books, and scale models. 

The staff of the Nickel Plate Road Historical & Technical Society is all volunteer and its business is conducted largely by mail and email. The membership has an opportunity to meet each year at our annual Convention, which is held in a Nickel Plate city. These meetings include displays, model railroad tours, swap and sale tables, slide, movie and video sessions, and tours of rail facilities. A general business meeting and banquet are the highlights of these weekends, where the Society's officers are elected and important business is handled. 

WhY Join The NKPHTS?

• A subscription to the Nickel Plate Road Magazine (four great issues per year).

• Members Only Monthly E-List Newsletter.

• Membership in the online NKPHTS Members Forum.

• The opportunity to talk or interact with other Nickel Plate members and modelers.

• Discounted NKP models in the NKPHTS company store.

• A growing list of programs and services for NKPHTS members.

• The NKPHTS Annual Convention.

• The opportunity to join local NKPHTS chapters and build new friendships.

• The knowledge that you are helping to preserve the history of the Nickel Plate Road.

• The ability to preserve NKP history. The Nickel Plate Historical and Technical Society is an all-volunteer organization. Contact the Director of Personnel Services if you are interested in learning how to use your skills, interests, and experience to help preserve the Nickel Plate Road.

How to Help the NKPHTS

All donations should be sent to the following address. For further information or questions on how to make a donation to the NKPHTS, please contact the society at the same address or by email at donations@nkphts.org.

NKPHTS, Inc.
Post Office Box 9
North Hampton, OH 45349-0009

In addition to financial contributions, there are other ways to help the NKPHTS to preserve the memory of the Nickel Plate Road.

• First, encourage other Nickel Plate Road fans to join the NKPHTS. The more members we have the more the society can do to further preserve the Nickel Plate's rich heritage.

• Second, contribute articles for publication in our magazine or other publication projects. We are not looking for skilled writers, only those eager to help. We have members who are capable of finishing rough copy. We would like to have first hand experiences as well.

• Third, volunteer yourself, your organization, and/or your city for one of our upcoming conventions.