The New York Central System Historical Society

For the year ended December 31, 2023, NYCSHS operated the following programs:(i) Publications:Central HeadlightNYCSHS publishes a quarterly membership-only magazine on the history of the NYCS railroads. The Central Headlight publication contains articles and photos on the history of the NYCS. NYCentral ModelerThe Society also publishes an online modeling magazine, the NYCentral Modeler, that provides articles, news, and photos about NYCS modeling. It is published quarterly and may be viewed online or downloaded and is free to all modelers.BooksNYCSHS publishes or assists in the publication of several books on NYCS history including two new books on history published this past year. Much of the material has come from NYCSHSs archives. NYCSHS has supported other organizations in the creating of their books and videos with technical and imagery support as part of the organizations outreach.NYCSHS CalendarThe Society produces an annual color calendar with up to 14 NYCS photos in color, and these are sold to members and the public.(ii) NYCSHS Archives:The NYCSHS operates both physical and electronic archives. The physical archives are located in NYCSHSs HQ/Archives leased space. The electronic archives are available to anyone. NYCSHS uses a third-party hosting service for the electronic archive since it is felt that internal hosting is not part of its core competency. The electronic archive contains photographs and ICC Valuation Maps that are available for purchase. The archives have been used to create items sold in the Collinwood Shop.According to Accounting Standards Update 2019-03: Not-For-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Updating the Definition of Collections, a history organization does not need to recognize its collections as financial assets if all of the following criteria are met:A. The collections are held solely for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service rather than financial gain; B. they are protected, kept unencumbered, cared for, and preserved; and C. they are subject to an organizational policy that requires proceeds realized from the sale of collections items be used for the acquisition of additional items for the collection, the direct care of existing collections, or both. The NYCSHS Archives meets all the above criteria and therefore, does not recognize its archive collection as a financial asset.(iii) Merchandise:NYCSHS Collinwood ShopThe Society maintains an online shop featuring models, copies of the Central Headlight, the NYCentral modeler, digital engineering drawings, ICC valuation maps, archive products, photo collections, NYCS movie DVDs, annual calendars, NYCS books, NYCS clothing, NYCS memorabilia, memberships, and convention registrations. A discount is provided to members.ManufacturersFrom time to time, the Society has had NYCS-specific models created. This has included freight cars, passenger cars, and structures that are specific to the NYCS. This allows those that are looking for authenticity to have a ready source for a model railroad layout, instead of having to hand build them.(iv) Outreach:Model ManufacturersThe Society provides technical information to model railroad manufacturers. The technical information takes the form of photographs and technical drawings.Internet PresenceThere are several different forms for NYCSHSs internet presence. As mentioned before, the Society has an electronic archive, a Society website, a members-only groups.io discussion list, YouTube site, Facebook site, and Instagram site. (iv) Outreach (continued):NYCSHS Conventions and Mini ConventionsEach year the society holds an annual convention in one of the cities served by the NYCS. It also holds one or two mini conventions in some of those same cities. The annual convention features tours of local NYCS facilities, numerous presentations on NYCS topics, a banquet, an annual meeting, and a train show.Support To Other Railroad Societies and MuseumsThe society provides material collected as donations to the society to other societies for their archives and provides monetary support to worthy projects being done by them.