The JOHN H. 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.
Thirty-two (32) applications were received requesting almost $ 900,000. After extensive research and serious consideration by advisors of the Trust, twenty (20) organizations were awarded grants totaling $ 250,000. The John Emery Rail Heritage Trust is one of the largest trusts in the US that makes 100% of its awards solely for railroad restoration purposes.
For 2026, grants were approved for the following organizations/projects:
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Adirondack Scenic Railroad: $ 11,100 for the rehabilitation of New York Central Railroad RS-3 locomotive # 8223.
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Anthracite Railroad Historical Society: $ 10,000 to aid rebuilding the generator for EMD F7 B unit engine # 664B.
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Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust: $ 25,000 for work on Hydronic Heating for the Pullman Woodland.
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Connecticut Electric Railway Association: $ 2,350 for the painting of the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin interurban car # 303.
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El Dorado Western Railway Foundation: $ 1,000 to assist with repairs for the ex-Placerville and Sacramento (ex-Southern Pacific) historic track.
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Fox River Trolley Association: $ 5,000 to help with seat rehabilitation for Chicago, Aurora & Elgin interurban car # 20.
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Friends of S.P. 4449: $ 10,000 for assistance with body and vent repairs for dining car DLMX # 1349.
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Gold Coast Railroad Museum: $ 11,000 to help with roof, window, seat repairs and paint for Florida East Coast Railway Coach # 136.
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Minnesota Transportation Museum: $ 20,000 for electrical and cooling system replacements for passenger cars.
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Nashville Steam Preservation Society: $ 45,000 for electrical components for Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis 4-8-4 steam locomotive # 576.
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Norfolk & Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society: $ 7,000 for window repairs for ex-Norfolk & Western Pullman Hollins College.
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North Carolina Transportation Museum: $ 5,000 for work on restoration of ex-Norfolk & Western combine car # 1506.
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Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation: $ 27,000 for the restoration of pistons, cylinders & crossheads for Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. 4-6-2 steam locomotive # 197.
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Pacific Southwest Railway Museum: $10,000 for help with mechanical refurbishment and restoration to original appearance of ex-Southern Pacific GP-9 locomotive # 3709.
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Railways to Yesterday: $ 5,000 for assistance with the seat reupholster of Chicago, Aurora & Elgin interurban car # 315.
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Smoky Hill Railway & Historical Society: $ 10,000 for help with the painting of Smoky Hills Railway (SHRX) GP-9 locomotive # 102.
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Tri-State Railway Historical Society: $ 10,000 for assistance with rewiring of EMD F3 A unit engine #663.
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Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum: $ 15,550 to help with truck repair on the ex-Clinchfield Railroad office car #100.
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West Chester Railroad Heritage Association: $5,000 for repairs of Ex-Reading Company Cars WCRL # 9114 & # 9124.
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Western Michigan Society for Industrial Heritage: $ 15,000 for help with repair and painting of ex-Canadian National coaches # 5180 and # 5208.
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, provides ongoing support throughout the application and selection process. Through careful investment management, the Advisory Committee hopes to expand the Trust’s impact on the preservation of historic rail passenger travel. For information on establishing a foundation or contributing to the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, please contact First Option Bank at 913‑294‑9222.
Applications for the next round of grants will be due not later than February 1, 2027.