BLACKHAWK RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Railroad History

Blackhawk has partnered with numerous other organizations in our effort to study and preserve our area's railroad history.  Here are links to some of our partners:

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Chicago Railroad History Month
​The railroads have played an indisputable role in the development and growth of Chicago and the railroads continue to play, a vital role in the economic life and social fabric of the city.  Recognizing the importance of the railroads to the history and growth of the city of Chicago, the Mayor's Office has signed an official proclamation declaring October as Chicago Railroad History Month.

The Blackhawk Railway Historical Society is honored to be leading the development of this event.  For more information,  visit the Chicago Railroad History Month website or go to the Chicago Railroad History Month Facebook page.

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​​Blackhawk Railway Historical Society
OUR Facebook page, bringing you interesting historical and current railroad news and events.

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​National Railway Historical Society

The largest rail enthusiast group in the United States, and Blackhawk is a chapter of this national organization.

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​​Chicago Area Railroad Historians
A Facebook group dedicated to the railroad history of the City of Chicago and its immediate environs.

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​Center for Railroad Photography & Art
The Center's purpose is to inform “the public about railroad photography and art through education, research and public service programs.”  The Center selectively collects high-quality photographs and works of art related to railroading and railroad workers and hosts exhibitions and an annual conference.

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​Central Electric Railfans' Association

One of the nation's premier railfan organizations, hosting regular programs and events about electric railroading (both past and present).

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​Chicago History Museum
Caretakers of millions of authentic pieces of Chicago history, including several displays about Chicago's railroad history.

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​The EJ&E Archive
Not an organization, but a fan site full of information on one of our favorite local "fallen flag" railroads, the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern.

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Illinois Traction Society
A non-profit organization striving to preserve the history of the Illinois Traction System and Illinois Terminal Railroad for historians, modelers, and the railfans of today and tomorrow. 

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Historic Pullman Foundation
The Foundation is committed to telling the stories of Pullman’s past—of industrial innovation, immigration, labor rights, social justice, urban planning, and preservation—all while creating a new forward-looking story. One of creativity, renewal, inclusivity, and physical and social connections. One that pulls the past into the present and ensures that every time someone visits, they will see so many of America’s stories, including their own, in Pullman.

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​Joliet Area Historical Museum
Covering the history of Joliet and surrounding area  

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Lake States Railway Historical Association 
The LSRHA  a non-profit organization with an archive facility located in Wisconsin that continues to expand efforts to preserve and provide access to its unique railway history collections.  

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Niagara Frontier Chapter NRHS
A fellow NRHS chapter based in the Buffalo, New York area. 

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​Midwest Rail Rangers
A non-profit organization presenting onboard educational programs across the Upper Midwest.

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Pullman National Monument
The park tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States, the sleeping car magnate who helped create it, and the workers who lived there. The district is significant for its influence on urban planning and design, as well as its role in American labor history, including the 1894 Pullman Strike and Boycott.

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​Seneca Historical Guild

Honoring the railroad's contribution to the town's history by rebuilding their 1912 Rock Island depot and recently acquiring a Rock Island caboose.

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​Shore Line Interurban Historical Society

Chicago's interurbans, streetcar lines, elevated railways and commuter railroads. 

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South Shore Conventions & Visitors Authority

The South Shore CVA is a sales and marketing organization that leads the hospitality industry and aids its partners through the development and support of attractions throughout the region.  As part of their publicity efforts, they sell South Shore Line Posters based on reproductions of the originals, and new editions by Mitch Markovitz.

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​20th Century Railroad Club
Chicago's oldest and most active rail travel group, arranging regional and cross-country trips.

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​Wabash Railroad Historical Society
Dedicated to preserving memories of the Wabash Railroad, which one time served our Symerton Depot.

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​​Will County Historical Society
Located in Lockport, Illinois and our partner in preserving the Symerton Depot.
Contents © 2022 Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. - an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.  
The Blackhawk Railway Historical Society, Inc. is a chapter of the National Railway Historical Society  and  is not affiliated with the former Blackhawk Films or the ​Chicago franchise of the National Hockey League.  

Contact Us

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Join Us
    • Newsletter
    • Meetings
    • Chicago Railroad History Month
    • Indiana Swap Meet and Program
    • 50th Anniversary Gallery
    • The Railroads of Will County >
      • Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
      • Chicago & Alton
      • Chicago & Eastern Illinois
      • Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
      • Elgin, Joliet & Eastern
      • Illinois Central
      • Michigan Central
      • The Milwaukee Road (CM&G/CTH&SE)
      • Wabash
      • Shortlines and Industrials
      • Proposed Railroads
      • Interurban Railroads
  • Schedule
  • Projects
    • Chicago Railroad History Month
    • Depots >
      • Joliet >
        • History
        • Passenger
        • Railfan
        • UD Tower
      • Symerton
      • Lockport
    • Museums
    • Publications and Documents >
      • EJ&E Documents
    • Community
    • Equipment
  • Connections
    • Railroad History Partners
    • Local Railroad Attractions
    • Regional Museums & Heritage Railroads
    • Model and Garden Railroading
    • Operating Steam Locomotives
    • Today's Railroads >
      • Regional, Short Line and Industrial Railroads
    • Santa Trains
  • Store