The Washington Terminal Project is a major effort to capture the history of railroading in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, digitize it, and share it on-line as a resource to preserve railroad history and to share it with current and future generations. This includes but is not limited to stories, railroad company ephemera, images, videos, timetables, oral histories, and genealogy information.

Photos taken by U.S. Government in public domain. Original photo by Office of War Information – World War II

Digital Archives

One of major initiatives is to professionally preserve and put on-line/digitize resources related to railway heritage from the Washington, D.C. area. The project, called the Digital DC Railway Heritage Project, includes professionally digitizing historic photos, timetables, information and stories, and other rail road ephemera. Some of the materials such as photos may also be made available for sale as reproductions. Learn More.

Alexandria, VA terminal; 6/19/1939; Class MS4; Alco-Richmond; 1923; C/N 64826; Retired 3/1952

Genealogy Research

DCNRHS has a substantial collection of the Baltimore & Ohio Employees Magazine, which was printed monthly from 1912 to 1961. In addition DCNRHS has access to a private collection of the magazines. Together the collections comprise a nearly complete collection of these historic artifacts.

Cover from B&O Employes Magazine
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Employe Magazine from 1913

Oral History Project

Did you work for a railroad in the Washington, D.C. area (within 75 miles), or do you know someone who did? Please contact us. We would like to hear your story and consider it for inclusion in our oral history project.We are creating a digital video record of former railroaders and making it available on-line and for other educational purposes. Learn More

Washington Terminal Company and Southern Railway machinist Bernie Gallagher is interviewed for DCNRHS Oral History Project.

How You Can Support the Project

There are a number of ways you can support this project. If you have time to share, we are looking for individuals who can help digitize photos, produce histories, or upload information for the project. You can do much of this work from your home. If you are a railroader and want to share your stories, we have an interest in talking to you. If you have resources to share we are collecting historical items. And of course, financial support is always welcome. Learn More.

About Us

The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Inc. (Washington, D.C. Chapter NRHS)  or DCNRHS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) education organization. DCNRHS was chartered in the District of Columbia in 1944.  DCNRHS’ mission is to “Expand the public appreciation of railroads and their history through preservation and education.” DCNRHS is an all-volunteer led organization with no paid employees. Membership open to all those with an interest in railroading.