Get Involved
NCR, a 501 (c)(3), offers historical, educational, and entertaining railroad excursions and rail-based activities. NCR’s array of programming appeals to people of all ages with wide ranges of interests. NCR hosts adults/children, men/women, train/railway enthusiasts, history buffs, photography devotees, families seeking wholesome entertainment, nature enthusiasts, and sight-seers.
To date, 177,355 visitors have ridden NCR trains, learned national/regional history and details of the rail system, enjoyed family-centered activities, and relished unique programs while appreciating the scenic beauty of York County.
William (Bill) Simpson, business leader/York community philanthropist, and his friend Reed Anderson combined their vision, love of York County, and passion for trains to rally donors to plan, develop, and launch Steam Into History. In 2013, Steam Into History celebrated its Inaugural Run. In 2019 Steam Into History re-branded as Northern Central Railway of York to denote the need to include multiple forms of locomotive and emphasize the history of the rail line we use.
Along the way NCR grew and strengthened. Train cars were donated/purchased and leased to enhance the equipment display, tracks were refurbished, and programming was expanded significantly.
Currently NCR owns
- An 1868 replica steam locomotive
- Four vintage 1860/70’s replica passenger cars
- An original, restored 1906 gondola car
- 1939 caboose
- 1959 diesel locomotive
NCR holds long-term leases on an 1877 Belgian steam locomotive and 2 mid-century Pullman-style cars, 1 passenger car, and 1 parlor lounge car.
Your support helps ensure that Northern Central Railway continues to offer new, imaginative programs every year, and for many years to come!
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 2024
May 2-3, 2024
Support NCR’s on York County Annual Day of Giving – Give Local York
In 2023, 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.
Endowment Fund at the York County Community Foundation
Make a direct donation to the Northern Central Railway of York’s Endowment Fund at the York County Community Foundation.
eBay for Charity
Do you sell on eBay? Increase your sales by supporting NCR as your designated charity with three easy steps! Our charity ID is 200363.
For more information on how to sell for a charity click here.