The Amherst Railway Society was formed in the mid-1950s by a small group of University of Massachusetts students and faculty members who shared a common interest in railroads. The group held regular meetings at the university to share railroad knowledge, photographs, and stories.
In 2016, the organization purchased property in Palmer, Massachusetts that includes a clubhouse for meetings, special events, and several model railroads, as well as open space which is the site of the Amherst garden railroad.
Our primary objective is to give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience and learn from the railroad and model railroad hobbies. Because - we believe that enthusiasm for railroads and model railroads makes a positive difference in people’s lives.
Prototype modelers are a special segment of model railroaders - they are all about detail.
The Amherst Railway Society sponsors the prototype modelers group which meets periodically to discuss and learn how to build high quality, highly detailed railroad replicas, exhibit their work, and enjoy the company of other talented modelers.
The Amherst Railway Society sponsors the Northeast Outdoor Railway Festival - a celebration of larger scale, outdoor model railroads.
The event is held once a year and includes live steam, model railroad operations, a variety of exhibitors, vendors, and good food - in a variety of locations in and around Palmer, Massachusetts.
The Amherst Railway Society sponsors the Kids ON TRACK program - designed to give elementary, middle, and high school students experience with railroads and model railroads.
Through the program students have opportunities to ride trains, run model trains, and learn how to model.
Kids ON TRACK is all about learning – in a fun environment.
The Amherst Railway Society supports organizations working to preserve America’s railroad heritage. Since 1991, Amherst has donated $845,052 to protect and maintain historic railroad artifacts through two annual grant programs.