Join or Renew Membership

Blackhawk is always accepting new members who want to expand their knowledge of railroad history. Our members include industry professionals, historians, writers, photographers, railfans, and those who simply enjoy trains. 

Don't miss the train...

...join Blackhawk today!

​​Membership includes:

  • Bi-monthly newsletter, the Spike & Tie, published in January, March, May, July, September and November, and distributed via first-class mail to all current members.
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  • One free 8' vendor table at our Indiana Swap Meets in January, April and October at American Legion Post 66 in Griffith, Indiana.  Members can also purchase additional tables at the regular rate.

  • A vote at our annual Business Meeting at our December monthly meeting and Holiday Party. 
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  • Access to special events, open houses and tours when they happen.​

Our Dues

Blackhawk works hard to keep the price of membership affordable for all.  All memberships run for the calendar year January to December.  Dues go towards our meeting space, chapter publications, and supporting our preservation projects.  
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  • Regular Membership - $25
    Includes full membership in the the Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, including all publications

  • Additional Family Members - $3
    For immediate family members.  Does not include publications.    ​     ​​

To Join or Renew...

Using a Check or Money Order?  ​⬇️

Click on the three horizontal dots in UPPER RIGHT corner of the widget below.  Select Print, or pick Save As and reopen to print, and fill out the form.
  • Provide your name, current address, and telephone number (only to contact you - we do not share our membership information with anyone)

  • To get E-mail updates on Meetings and Events, provide a current E-mail address

  • Enclose a check or money order payable to “Blackhawk Railway Historical Society” 

  • Mail form and payment to:
    Blackhawk Railway Historical Society
    4644 E 9000N Rd.
    ​    Manteno, IL 60950-3111
    ​(Use this address for MEMBERSHIP ONLY -- see the About Us page for our regular address.)
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  • You can also bring the membership form along with payment (check or cash) to our next monthly meeting.

Join the NRHS
​We invite you to also join the National Railway Historical Society, a national railroad preservation organization that we have been affiliated with since 1969.

​Individual chapters of the NRHS no longer accept dues for the national organization.  Those wishing to join or renew with the NRHS are asked to go directly to the Membership section of the NRHS website for more information or to pay their dues.

Donate to Blackhawk

Blackhawk is always accepting donations of:
  • railroad memorabilia
  • railroad books and magazines
  • photographs and/or films or railroad subjects
  • monetary donations and cash endowments
We also accept cash donations to further the Chapter's activities.  Donated material will be added to the chapter's collections or auctioned or sold to raise funds for chapter projects and activities.

Donate Your Service

​​From recruiting to research to restoration, Blackhawk has many opportunities available for those wishing to donate their time and resources to one of our many events or projects. If you like to get your hands dirty and want to discover our area's fascinating railroad history, Blackhawk wants you.

​Contents © 2026 Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. - an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.   Photos and images on this site without credit belong to Blackhawk Railway Historical Society or the Public Domain.  Credited photos and images are the property of their owner.  The Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. is a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

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