Rail Heritage Trust Grant Awardees 2025

First Option Bank acts as trustee for the John Emery Rail Heritage Trust.

John Emery, a native of Chicago and ardent rail traveler and enthusiast, created this Trust upon his passing in 2012. John had traveled the rail in over 125 countries, wanted to help educate the public and help recreate and preserve the rail passenger travel experience that he loved. Funds are to be used to restore or rebuild ancillary facilities essential to the operation of a working passenger operation.

The Emery Rail Heritage Trust has made grants totaling $2,807,310.00 in the thirteen years it has been in operation.

There were eighteen projects and organizations funded by the Rail Heritage Trust in 2025 totaling $250,000.

These include:

• Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society: $13,100.00 to continue refurbishment work on their two RDC’s, #9153 and #9167.
• Black River Railroad Historical Trust: $11,000.00 for their Lackawanna coach #605 for wheel, truck and brake work.
• Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust: $15,000.00 for HVAC for their heavyweight Pullman car “Beaver”.
• Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc: $15,000.00 for interior updates, upgrades and modifications to their Pullman car Kitchi Gammi Club.
• Fox River Trolley Association, Inc: $10,000.00 to rebuild seats on their CA&E interurban car #316.
• Iron Horse Society at Steamtown, Inc: $15,000.00 towards restoration of their ex-DL&W coach #335.
• Iron Mountain Railway: $2,600.00 for replacement windows for their ex-NYC coach #3135.
• Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, Inc: $15,000.00 for reupholstery work for their ex-Santa Fe El Capitan Hi-Level coach.
• Northwest Railway Museum: $7,500.00 for upgrades to their Pullman parlor car #1049.
• Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation: $27,000.00 for restoration of four of the six driver boxes for their OR&N steam locomotive #197.
• Railroading Heritage of Midwest America: $10,000.00 for new windows for their coaches Wenonah and Nokomas.
• Railway Restoration Project 113: $ 25,000.00 to help with new tubes and flues for the CNJ 0-6-0 #113.
• San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society: $10,000.00 for work on their ex-Santa Fe Pine series sleeper/dormitory car #2506.
• Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum: $20,000.00 for restoration work on their Pullman heavyweight sleeper Maitland.
• Tri-State Railway Historical Society, Inc: $15,000.00 for mechanical work on their ex-DL&W F3a #663.
• United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey: $15,000.00 for operational restoration of NYC tavern lounge car #37.
• National Railway Historical Society, Washington, DC Chapter, Inc: $8,800.00 for rebuilding and reupholstering the cushioned seats of the banquette tables in their Pullman heavyweight Dover Harbor.
• Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Corporation: $15,000.00 for restoration work on their ex-NYC grill diner #456.

Congratulations to all the groups who received a grant and the best of luck as they continue to preserve our railroad heritage!

First Option Bank, Trustee of the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, continues to provide ongoing support during the application/selection process and due to their investment management the Advisory Committee is able to continually increase the effect this Trust has on the preservation of rail passenger travel. If you would like more information about how to set up a Foundation or are interested in donating to the Emery Rail Heritage Trust, please contact them directly at 913-294-9222.