Get Involved

Thank you for considering supporting the Northern Central Railway! There are many ways to get involved –you can donate, become a member, sponsor a season or event, or simply volunteer!

Northern Central Railway is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational, charitable organization, located in New Freedom, PA. The historic attraction, with a replica 1860s steam locomotive and a GP9 diesel engine, hosts excursions that educate, entertain, and enlighten. Northern Central Railway trains ride on the very same route that President Abraham Lincoln rode on his way to and from delivering the Gettysburg Address in 1863. Two years later, this line carried his funeral car.

Northern Central Railway celebrates history with educational excursions, but also offers rides that stoke imaginations and satisfy cravings for adventure. Fantastical characters from magicians to superheroes, and extraordinary events from princess tea parties to cowboy train robberies, are made real aboard Northern Central Railway!

We have had over 144,000 visitors from 48 states and 15 countries. We are proud to be one of the most unique tourist attractions in York County.

Your support helps ensure that Northern Central Railway continues to offer new, imaginative programs every year, and for many years to come!

View Northern Central Railway’s Case for Support here.

Ways To Give

Membership
Choose a membership level that fits both your interest level and your ability to participate.

Name a Seat on a Coach
For a contribution of $1500.00, have your very own seat aboard our train! Tell us what you would like your brass plate to say, then we’ll mount the plate near the arm rest of a seat in our newly restored coach and you’ll become a permanent part of living history! These custom plaques make a great gift or lasting tribute for any railfan or friend of Northern Central Railway.

Name a Railroad Tie
Take a walk on the York County Heritage Rail Trail along the Northern Central Railway to see where you have made a mark on living history! Your naming gift of $150.00 (for 1 railroad tie) or $225.00 (for 2 railroad ties) will help build a York County tradition and create memories that will last a lifetime! What a great way to honor a loved one or friend.

Special Projects
Special projects can include anticipated as well as unanticipated large capital improvements such as building an additional passenger coach, purchasing maintenance equipment, or track improvements. Giving for special projects can also be in the form of in-kind donations.

Annual Appeal
Gifts made through the annual appeal support operating expenses.

Sponsorship
Sponsorships are a great way for individuals and companies to show their support for Northern Central Railway. A number of opportunities are available including Season Sponsorships, Event Sponsorships, and Individual Excursion Sponsorships.

EITC

Northern Central Railway is recognized as an Educational Improvement Organization under PA’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program through which companies can receive tax credits for their contribution. Monies donated to NCR through the EITC program go towards our S.T.E.A.M. program and other educational special events. For more information on how to donate to NCR through the EITC program, click here.

Give Local York

Save the Date for Give Local York 2023
May 5, 2023
Support NCR’s on York County Annual Day of Giving – Give Local York
In 2022, NCR received over $20,000 in donations

About Give Local York
Give Local York is a 24-hour online giving extravaganza. During those 24 hours on May 5, 2023 donors may visit www.givelocalyork.org to make secure donations to NCR. The minimum donation is $5.00 and there is no maximum. Every dollar donated to participating nonprofits will be enhanced with bonus funds provided by Give Local York sponsors – making donor dollars stretch further!

Individuals and businesses can also sign up to be a fundraiser for NCR! To learn more, check out the GET INVOLVED page on Give Local York’s site.