The JOHN EMERY RAIL HERITAGE TRUST is pleased to announce the following grants for this year. John Emery was a long-time Chicago resident who was an avid rail enthusiast who loved to ride trains around the world, and wanted to help preserve rail equipment and infrastructure that will allow future generations to share his experiences during what he considered the “Golden Age” of railway travel, from 1920 to 1960. The Emery Rail Heritage Trust has made grants totaling $2,807,310.00 in the ten years it has been in operation.

Thirty-nine (39) applications were received requesting $942,005.00. After extensive research and serious consideration by advisors of the Trust, eighteen (18) grants were awarded totaling $ 250,000. The John Emery Rail Heritage Trust is the largest trust in the US that makes 100% of its awards solely for railroad restoration purposes.

For 2025, grants were approved for the following organizations/projects:

1. Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society: $ 13,100.00 to continue refurbishment work on their two RDC’s, #9153 and #9167.

2. Black River Railroad Historical Trust: $ 11,000.00 for their Lackawanna coach #605 for wheel, truck and brake work.

3. Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust: $ 15,000.00 for HVAC for their heavyweight Pullman car “Beaver”.

4. Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc: $ 15,000.00 for interior updates, upgrades and modifications to their Pullman car Kitchi Gammi Club.

5. Fox River Trolley Association, Inc: $ 10,000.00 to rebuild seats on their CA&E interurban car #316.

6. Iron Horse Society at Steamtown, Inc: $ 15,000.00 towards restoration of their ex-DL&W coach #335.

7. Iron Mountain Railway: $2,600.00 for replacement windows for their ex-NYC coach #3135.

8. Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, Inc: $ 15,000.00 for reupholstery work for their ex-Santa Fe El Capitan Hi-Level coach.

9. Northwest Railway Museum: $ 7,500.00 for upgrades to their Pullman parlor car #1049.

10. Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation: $27,000.00 for restoration of four of the six driver boxes for their OR&N steam locomotive #197.

11. Railroading Heritage of Midwest America: $ 10,000.00 for new windows for their coaches Wenonah and Nokomas.

12. Railway Restoration Project 113: $ 25,000.00 to help with new tubes and flues for the CNJ 0-6-0 #113.

13. San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society: $ 10,000.00 for work on their ex-Santa Fe Pine series sleeper/dormitory car #2506.

14. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: $ 20,000.00 for restoration work on their Pullman heavyweight sleeper Maitland.

15. Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Inc: $ 15,000.00 for mechanical work on their ex-DL&W F3a #663.

16. United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey: $ 15,000.00 for operational restoration of NYC tavern lounge car #37.

17. National Railway Historical Society, Washington, DC Chapter, Inc: $ 8,800.00 for rebuilding and reupholstering the cushioned seats of the banquette tables in their Pullman heavyweight Dover Harbor.

18. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Corporation: $ 15,000.00 for restoration work on their ex-NYC grill diner #456.

Congratulations to all the groups who received a grant and the best of luck as they continue to preserve our railroad heritage!

First Option Bank, Trustee of the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, continues to provide ongoing support during the application/selection process and due to their investment management the Advisory Committee is able to continually increase the effect this Trust has on the preservation of rail passenger travel.  If you would like more information about how to set up a Foundation or are interested in donating to the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, please contact them directly at 913-294-9222.

Applications for the next round of grants will be due not later than February 1, 2026.