Experiential Heritage Engagement

Organizes major toy train events, including the world's largest toy train meet, which attracts thousands of attendees annually. In one year, two meetups drew approximately 11,900 members and guests combined.

Enhances digital outreach and communications infrastructure to support clubs, collectors, and operators of toy trains across various scales, strengthening networked engagement.

Engages in preserving the historical legacy of toy trains and actively promotes the hobby to younger generations through educational and outreach initiatives.

Conducts and publishes ongoing research series on the Ontario & Western Railway, including "From The Archives," "Owen’s Footprints," studies on NYO&W terminology and audio preservation ("Lost O&W Tapes"), and historical articles based on archival theses and prior writings.

Builds and displays detailed model railroad structures and dioramas in HO and O scales, including depots, waterfront scenes, ferry boats, and farm machinery dealers, using scratch-building and commercial kits for educational and preservation purposes.

Hosts monthly membership meetings and special presentations featuring historians and thematic focuses such as Sullivan County's railroad history (1890–1915), ongoing as of 2026.

Provides governance and strategic oversight through leadership roles, including editorial and organizational management, to guide the society’s mission and operations.

Operates a visitor center open since 2023 and co-founded the Roscoe O&W Railway Museum to provide public access to Ontario & Western Railway history.

Provides historical and technical consultation for restoration projects, including structural stabilization, clock face reproduction, and signal reinstallation at the Middletown station, supported by archival photographs and expert guidance.

Produces and distributes regular publications including The Ontario Express (with 486 subscribers), the annual OBSERVER, the O&WRHS Calendar, and a newsletter available in both print and electronic formats to members and the public.

Restores historic railway equipment, including the ongoing volunteer-led restoration of NYO&W 44-tonner locomotive #105 at Steamtown National Historic Site, involving structural repairs, parts recovery, and secure storage, supported by member donations and NPS collaboration.

Offers for sale a variety of publications, original drawings, documents, photographs, and historical artifacts related to the Ontario & Western Railway, maintaining an updated sales list and facilitating sales through connections with private collectors and modelers.

Hosts special events multiple times per year, including the 57th Anniversary Invitational Meet, Model Railroader & Social Member Day, open houses, club picnics, and member project work sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Monthly meetings are held from April through December, with minutes distributed to members.

Designs, constructs, and maintains an expanding network of model railroad tracks, including dual-gauge elevated sections, a figure-eight bridge loop adding 1,500 feet to the mainline, and additional track panels totaling hundreds of feet. The club operates multiple gauges including 7¼, 4¾, and gauge one, with electrified options for electric trains.

Runs a self-developed boiler inspection program that issues certificates recognized by other live steam clubs in the northeast. Requires visiting operators to present current certification or complete inspections on-site under club supervision, ensuring safe operation of live steam equipment.

Runs model trains on Saturday afternoons from mid-May through mid-October for public enjoyment and education. These events are held on a mile-long railroad track featuring a yard, passing sidings, bridges, and operating signals.

Encourages research, writing, and preservation of the history of steam, diesel, and electric locomotion and railroading. Recognized by the New York State Assembly for community contributions and dedication to preserving steam locomotive heritage.

Maintains a reference library for students, teachers, and scholars focused on the history and technology of steam, diesel, and electric locomotion and railroading. Engages in educational activities to increase public understanding, especially among youth, of rail transportation history, safety, and future developments.