Membership

NOTE: D&HRHS memberships are not yet available. We anticipate that we will begin offering memberships in late 2024. The information provided below is a draft and is subject to change.

ALSO NOTE: As we are a fully digital society and all of our membership services will be tied to Patreon, we will be unable to accept membership payments by check or by mail. We can only accept memberships submitted online through Patreon. We can, however, receive donations by check or by mail - please see our contact page for our mailing address.

Why Join the D&HRHS?

Are you interested in the history of the Delaware & Hudson, or just railroads in general? Do you like reading the stories from railroad veterans alongside professional historical research and context? Are you interested in supporting or participating in the preservation of equipment and archival information for future generations? If the answer to any of the above questions is “yes,” you should join consider membership in the vibrant, modern Delaware & Hudson Railway Historical Society.

Membership in the D&HRHS is handled differently than most other railroad historical societies. Our memberships are offered monthly instead of annually, as a way to make our dues more affordable to those with limited discretionary funds or fixed incomes. As a fully digital society, we are also able to keep our costs - and therefore our dues - extremely low, with memberships starting at just $1 a month.

Membership Benefits

We have six membership levels, with additional membership benefits offered at higher levels:

  • Brakeman - $1/month
    Brakemen get access to our members-only Discord server, which serves as a forum, a repository for information, and a resource for those looking to connect with other D&H fans and D&H veterans. Brakemen also receive access to our members-only Champlain Shield newsletter on Patreon, which contains both Society news and historical articles provided by other members. Virtual events will be recorded and made available to Brakemen on YouTube afterwards.

  • Conductor - $4/month
    In addition to all of the benefits afforded to Brakemen, Conductors are invited to join us live at any of our online/digital programs, events, or meetings and are able to participate, ask questions, and interact with the presenters. Conductors also receive early access and discounted admission rates on any in-person events we may hold.

  • Engineer - $10/month
    In addition to all of the benefits afforded to lower tiers, Engineers contribute above and beyond to keep our Society strong. These top contributors are recognized by name in our Champlain Shield newsletter on Patreon.

  • Trainmaster - $25/month
    In addition to all of the benefits afforded to lower tiers, Trainmasters contribute above and beyond to keep our Society strong.

  • Road Foreman of Engines - $50/month
    In addition to all of the benefits afforded to lower tiers, Road Foremen of Engines contribute above and beyond to keep our Society strong.

  • Superintendent - $100/month
    In addition to all of the benefits afforded to lower tiers, Superintendents contribute above and beyond to keep our Society strong.

Our memberships are handled through Patreon, which is designed to connect people and support creators and organizations who are passionate about a given subject. We are using this service in a new way within the railroad preservation field, and we’re excited for the new ways that this technology will foster our growth and innovation in the future.

Memberships are automatically billed monthly by the Patreon system, so our members do not need to remember to renew their membership or risk missing out on Champlain Shield content or forum discussions. Members are also able to increase, decrease, or cancel their membership level at any time, all through the click of a button within the Patreon membership portal. As there is no risk to joining, why not try out a D&HRHS membership today?