Summary
Organization name
Northern Central Railway
Tax id (EIN)
20-4755150
Address
2 West Main Street PO Box 128New Freedom, PA 17349
Largest Give Day Donor receives a Free Charter on the Trail Sisters!
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Northern Central Railway of York is to enhance the economic engine of York County by delivering entertaining, historical, and educational experiences on an excursion railroad. Our organizational goals are to provide rail-based, multi-generational entertainment experiences, educate riders regarding the United States and local history, inspire interest in rail history, and promote York County’s economic development through increased tourism.
ON TRACK FOR GREAT ADVENTURES
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 locomotion and emphasize the history of the rail line we use. Along the way, NCR grew and strengthened, train cars were donated/purchased to enhance our equipment display, tracks were refurbished, and programming was expanded.
Currently, NCR owns and operates:
A Replica 1860s Steam 440 Steam Engine, William H. Simpson "York" No. 17
Four vintage 1860/70’s replica passenger cars: South Branch, Abraham Lincoln, D. Reed Anderson & New Free
dom,An original 1906 gondola car, which has been restored for the Heritage Rail Trail Bike Aboard progr
am, A 1959 Retired PPR GP9 diesel locomotive, No.
6076Newly refurbished 1939 cabo
ose A retired Army Center Cab, 80 toner diesel locomotive, No
. 32NCR leases two Mid-Century Pullman Style Passenger Cars - the Trail Sis
tersOUR IM
PACTNorthern Central Railway ofYork is a 501 (c)(3) offering educational, entertaining railroad excursions forriders of all ages. Programming at NCR offers a wide range of themedexcursions, historical re-enactments, educational opportunities, cultural andholiday events, and kid-friendly, family- focused fun, all with the goal ofincreasing tourism in York County. Each month NCR offers a variety ofexcursions that meet the needs of many types of people – rail enthusiasts,history aficionados, families seeking fun adventures, nature buffs, educationseekers, and those interested in local tourism. Sinc
e our first excursion in June of 2013 NCR has hosted 187,000+ passengers. In 2
024 NCR: •
Hita ridership marker of 187,000•
17,500+ riders, NCR's 2nd best year ever! •
57% of NCR ridership came from outside of York County•
Developedpartnerships with 4 non-profits (fundraising, hired performer, joint marketingeffort)•
Created2 new promotional videos for advertising •
MACK85 guest steam engine returned •
Purchaseda diesel engine, No. 32•
Raised$500,000+ in multi-year pledges•
Raised $900,000 in $1,575,000 campaign in 4 months•
Hired NCR's first female Superintendent making NCR 100% female management •
Enjoyedan increase in press coverage on TV and Print - National Publications, Local News and More! •
Offeredincreased S.T.E.A.M. 1-week sessions session from 4 to 6 and added to existingcurriculum• P
resented Exclusive Holiday theme excursion “Christmas Elves Express” for a 3rd year• A
ddedADA compliant sidewalk with funding assistance from York County Community Foundation• Re
newed our partnership with York Revolution, Boomer Book Club• Ad
ded a beautiful mural featuring No. 17 and No. 6076 on the side of the Engine House building 2024 Challenge
s
: • Los
tthe use of No. 17 steam engine, NCR’s most cherished attraction, due to mechanicalissues. The estimated repairs would be 6-13 months. The Board strategicallyentered early into the required FRA 1472 inspection.• Diese
lengine No. 6076 (main workhorse) went down, causing loss of all Septemberexcursions because there was no back up engine. The repair of the engine wouldtake 3 months. The quickest solution was to purchase another diesel No. 32 (unexpected cost), and• Bridgeat
Seven Valleys was damaged in a trailer accident, eliminating excursions toHoward Tunnel/Bike Aboard. In 2025 NCR will:•
Returnto ri
dership numbers of 2023 (21,000+) • Celebrate th
e return of No. 17, coming this fall season• Extendeda on
e-year exclusive contract for Christmas Elves Express Event• Enhanceprogra
mming to attract new riders/encourage return visits• AttendedAmeric
an Bus Association Show as vendor/met 40+ potential bus operator• Review/streamli
neexpenses/operations• Explorenew reven
ue streams for ongoing support options• Resume offering e
xcursions to the HowardTunnel and Bike Aboard once the County repairs the bridge in Seven Valleys. #17 at the Historic Howard Tu
nnel#32 Being Trucked int…
Mission
Northern Central Railway of York is an excursion railroad that makes time travel possible! It's an authentic experience where you can meet presidents and generals, experience the Wild West, enjoy the spirit of the season any time of the year and literally ride along the very rails that helped build and save our nation. It's a breathtaking journey through gorgeous countryside that brings out the child in all of us!
In the first 5 years of operation, Northern Central Railway drew more than 105,000 visitors from 48 U.S. states and 15 foreign countries, generating $20+ million in economic benefits, and helping to solidify York County as a unique tourist destination.
The Northern Central Railway's experiential programming educates, entertains and enlightens visitors with a diverse schedule of excursions incorporating local history, as well as S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) initiatives, into fun themes that create memories that last a lifetime for all ages.
It is our 2020 goal to raise at least $15,000 to generally help keep us on track, and this year we would like to use a portion of our proceeds to go towards a paint job for our new (to us) GP-9 vintage diesel locomotive, too!
Organization Data
New Freedom, PA 17349