The Conrail Historical Society will continue celebrating Conrail’s 50th. birthday by holding CRHS’ 4th-Quarter Meeting on October 10, 2026 at the National New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart, IN. The program will run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with a potential additional activity after dinner. All are welcome.
The National New York Central Railroad Museum https://www.cityofelkhartin.gov/departments/national-new-york-central-railroad-museum/ is located at 721 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516.
The meeting’s program features the presentation “A Day at Elkhart During Conrail,” by author Gregg Grabijas; a presentation about the National New York Central Railroad Museum and tour of the museum grounds by Brent Holaway (former museum director) and Abby Gratzol (current museum curator); and the presentation “History of Elkhart-area Railroading, 1851 – 1968,” by local railroad historians Steve Deinhart and Steve Barton. A brief CRHS business meeting will follow lunch.
Conrail artifacts from The CRHS Archives will be displayed. The CRHS Shoppe will have various items available for sale.
Access to The CRHS Meeting requires admission to the National New York Central Railroad Museum. Admission to the National New York Central Railroad Museum is as follows:
Members of The Conrail Historical Society are Free, for this event, with pre-registration at The CRHS Shoppe (CRHS 4th Quarter Meeting Registration).
All Others: Regular museum admission prices apply: Adults $6. Seniors $5, Children 4 – 12 years old $5 and Children 3 years & under Free.
9:30AM Doors open
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Attendees sign-in.
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CRHS Shoppe open for business, then close at beginning of program.
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Artifacts from CRHS Archives on display.
10:00AM Welcome! (15”)
10:15AM National New York Central Railroad Museum (1’00”) Brent Holaway and Abby Gratzol from NYC Museum provide presentation and tour of grounds with an insider’s view.
11:15AM A Day at Elkhart During Conrail (1’30”) Presentation by author Gregg Grabijas.
12:45PM Lunch (45”)
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CRHS Shoppe open for business, then close after Lunch.
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Artifacts from CRHS Archives on display.
1:30PM CRHS Business Meeting (30”) CRHS Vice President Jim Stanton presides.
2:00PM History of Elkhart Area Railroading, 1851 - 1968 (1’30”) Steve Deinhart and Steve Barton, local railroad historians.
3:30PM Wrap-up of today’s events (30”)
4:00PM Rail Photography and Dinner on your own in the Elkhart area.
To Be Determined Potential additional activity.