Join Us

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

Your Blackhawk membership will include:

• Informative 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.
  
  
• Membership mailing and meeting reminder, sent out in February, April, June, August, October and December, and distributed via first-class to all current members.
  
  
• One free 8' vendor table at our Indiana Swap Meets that take place every 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 chapter 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.​ ​​

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Join or renew membership

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• 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” 
  (Please do not mail cash)
  
  
• 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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• Or you can also bring the membership form along with payment to our next monthly meeting.

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Join the NRHS

​We invite you to 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.

Make a Donation

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.

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​Don't miss the train...

...join Blackhawk today!