The Lancaster Chapter, National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), which aims to preserve history and railroad artifacts, as well as educate the public about railroading and its history, is in the middle of celebrating its 90th anniversary.

According to a history of the Lancaster Chapter, NRHS, provided by chapter historian Linda Himpsl, it began in 1934 when a few young railroad and trolley enthusiasts met in an old trolley in Neffsville, forming the Lancaster Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. In 1935, the group merged with the Interstate Trolley Club and other organizations to form the NRHS. The Lancaster Chapter was the first charter organized in the NRHS, launching on Oct. 13, 1935.

Today, chapter meetings are held in the 1882 freight station in Christiana, which was restored by the chapter in 1998. Members, who come from various backgrounds, all share a love of railroading. "Most people have an interest in railroads, history or just trains in general. Very few of us actually worked for the railroad," noted Steve Himpsl, second director. "Some have model trains. They are avid collectors."

"Some have fathers or grandfathers who worked the railroad," added Linda.

Last October, chapter members and invited guests celebrated the milestone during a chapter meeting at the freight station where they enjoyed cake and ice cream and a display of memorabilia dating from 1934 to the present.

There was also a chapter banquet held at Hershey Farm Resort in November. Tony White, NRHS president, presented the Lancaster Chapter a Certificate of Recognition for its 90th anniversary and for being the first charter chapter of the organization. In addition to Steve and Linda, accepting the certificate were Tom Shenk, president; Glenn Kendig, first vice president; Cindy Kendig, first director; Richard Ruttledge, treasurer; David Stambaugh, second vice president; and member Gayle Stambaugh.

One of the chapter's major accomplishments was the restoration of the freight station, located at 10 Railroad Ave., Christiana. Notably, the station was featured in the 1985 movie "Witness" starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis.

According to Linda, the two-story building was moved east 40 feet to its present location in 1903 to install additional track. Passenger service ceased in 1907, when the new Christiana passenger station on the opposite side of the tracks was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad; it terminated service in 1952. Amtrak now leases the 1888 freight station building, gang house, 1907 passenger station and trackside property to the Lancaster Chapter, NRHS. The chapter also maintains a Conrail caboose on-site.

In addition to a holiday open house held during Christmas in Christiana, the stations is open for tours by appointment.

"We have a deck and we often have people come and hang out on the deck and watch the trains," Steve said. "We want to get people into the station and to view the caboose."

The Lancaster Chapter, NRHS members have restored, preserved and donated many train- and rail-related projects to Lancaster County and surrounding communities through the years, including a trolley from Lancaster, a Reading Railroad Company crossing watchman's box and various railroad cars. The chapter has also organized Amtrak rail trips to many places, including Horseshoe Curve; western Pennsylvania; and Mystic Seaport, Conn. "Amtrak would add passenger cars on their trains to accommodate how many tickets were sold," Steve explained. "We would sell 18-car trains."

The group generally meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Meetings usually feature a guest speaker or a slideshow of railroad history. Outings are also planned. "We (might meet) at Strasburg Rail Road and ride the train, and when it comes back we have our meeting on the train. We mix it up," noted Linda.

Members pay a yearly fee, which gets them the Lancaster Dispatcher, the chapter's monthly newsletter. New members are welcome. "Many young people are not interested in railroading anymore because they did not grow up with it," noted Steve. "We are more than happy to have young people come in and join us."

More information about the Lancaster Chapter, NRHS, including upcoming meetings, is available at http://www.nrhs1.org or http://www.facebook.com/ChristianaFreightStation. For more information or to schedule a tour of the freight station, contact Steve at shimpsl@aol.com.

Additionally, the first floor of the freight station is available for rent and can accommodate 60 to 80 people. If interested, email cindykendig@gmail.com.