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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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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Decay Devils
Northwest Indiana preservation group restoring Gary Union Station and cosmetically restoring EJ&E 765 on display nearby. 
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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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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. |