Steam locomotives are not only unique time machines, but uncommon in their ability to appeal to people from every background. They inspire a rare warmth from their special cross-section of enthusiast followers to the ordinary passenger. Few machines precipitate so many smiles and waves at first sight.

This is living history, without marginalization  in a text book paragraph, but broken free and storming past your house, greeting you to climb aboard and watch the world pass.

The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc. is an all-volunteer award-winning organization dedicated to preserving, displaying, and operating historical railroad equipment relevant to the steam era in the midwest.

Formed in 1972 to preserve historic steam locomotive no. 765, we’ve operated special passenger excursions hauling over 100,000 people through 16 states covering 52,000 miles for over twenty years. We recently endeavored to completely rebuild no. 765, which was originally built for the Nickel Plate Railroad in 1944, and the locomotive is now ready to reach thousands more.

At TrainTown, the official museum of the Society, we operate regular train rides, host an annual open house, and give visitors the chance to experience historic railroading up close and hands on. Join us today to be a part of preserving and making railroad history.