This page was last updated: March 29, 2024
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS -
A listing of all known rail and transit enthusiast events happening in and around the
Chicago area..
(Except where noted, meetings/activites take place in the city of Chicago)
If your organization's meetings/events are not listed -- or if you have any corrections
to be made to your event, contact Bill Shapotkin at traingg1@aol.com.

Oct 26 (Saturday) Chicago Terminal Chapter of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical                                        Society  meeting (2:00-5:00 PM)
Location:      Historical Pullman District Visitors Center (11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave) in Chicago.
                      Location is accessible to public transportation using CTA bus #4 , #111A or 115 to/from
                     111th/Cottage Grove Ave or Metra Electric to/from 111/Pullman station (which is not ADA
                      accessible) or to/from 115/Kensington (which is ADA accessible).
Admission:   Free.
Program:      To be announced. 
Information:   ld_mlc43@comcast.net
Apr 5 (Friday) Omnibus Society of America meeting. (7:00-9:00 PM -- Please do not arrive before 6:45 PM)
Location:       San Lucas United Church of Christ (Basement), 2914 W North Ave
                      Enter the basement from the walkway on the side of the building. There are steps into the
                      basement. The church is on the north side of North Avenue between Francisco and Richmond
                      (across the street from Humboldt Park).

                      If using public transit, Get off CTA bus #72 NORTH bus at Francisco, or get off CTA bus #94 --
                      CALIFORNIA bus at North Ave and walk west.

                      There is plenty of on-street parking eastbound on the south side of North Ave adjacent to
                      Humboldt Park, or in a small parking lot behind the church.

                      Call Adam on 847 215-0180 if there are difficulties.
Admission:     Members and their guest are admitted without charge. All other are asked to make a $5.00
                        contribution.
Program:        To be announced.

Apr 6 (Saturday)  "Day for the Archives"  meeting. (9:00 AM-9:00 PM)
Location:      VFW Post 1197 -- 645 S River St (Ill St Rt 25) in Batavia, IL.
                   A day-long series of presentations by various rail historical societies. Lunch and/or dinner are
                    also available. Various societies will also have tables set-up with displays/company stores.
                   For a complete list of presentations/prices, see https://www.burlingtonroute.org/BRHS/Archives/archive_forms/010324%20A%20Day%20for%20the%20Archives%202024.pdf
Apr 26 (Friday)  Central Electric Railfans' Association meeting. (7:00-9:00 PM)
Location:      899 S. Plymouth Ct.
                   For your first visit, you might need a bit of wayfinding:
                   Though the building is marked “899 South Plymouth,” you can’t actually enter from that street.
                     The staffed entrance is on 9th St., just west of State St. There you’ll be welcomed by a doorman
                     and sent up the elevator to the mezzanine-level meeting room.
                    The building entrance is just 1500 feet from Roosevelt Green/Orange/Red Line stations, or 900
                      feet from the Polk exit from Harrison Red Line station (but there is no elevator at Harrison).
                      Buses 29, 62, and 146 stop at the corner of 9th & State.
                    Parking is available in the buildings on the east side of State Street, and can be prepaid at
                      discount rates through SpotHero.com or ParkWhiz.com. Several restaurants are quite
                      convenient, including Chicago Curry House in the same building, Bar Louie in Dearborn Station
                      and Taco Maya and Lou Malnati’s Pizza, both just across State St.
Admission:   Members for the year 2024 (and their spouse) are admitted free. All others are asked to pay a
                     $5.00 admission. Of course, payment of 2024 membership dues can be made at-the-door.
Program:      To be announced. 
Information:  https://www.cera-chicago.org/events

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Apr 20 (Saturday) Chicago Terminal Chapter of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical                                        Society  meeting (2:00-5:00 PM)
Location:      Historical Pullman District Visitors Center (11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave) in Chicago.
                      Location is accessible to public transportation using CTA bus #4 , #111A or 115 to/from
                     111th/Cottage Grove Ave or Metra Electric to/from 111/Pullman station (which is not ADA
                      accessible) or to/from 115/Kensington (which is ADA accessible).
Admission:   Free.
Program:      William D. Volkmer was an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad from about 1958 through the
                    1960s. He left the railroad after foreseeing the problems that were starting to occur as a result of
                     its merger with the New York Central. His career started with the PRR Mechanical Department
                     and had stints in Harrisburg, Camden, Northumberland and other points along the system. His
                     Northumberland assignment included taking care of the PRR’s historical rolling stock and
                     locomotive collection, which now resides in the Railroad Museum of in Strasburg, PA.                    
                    Volkmer has authored at least five books for Morning Sun Books, Inc., a prolific publisher of
                     railroad books. As a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the PRRT&HS, he was an editor
                     and sometimes author of the Keystone Chronicles, a publication that focused on the careers on
                     ex-Pennsy employees. During his career, Bill took many pictures of the Railroad as he saw it
                     from his vantage point. George Pierson has purchased several power point presentations from Bill.
                    The presentations that George will present at the meeting concern Bill’s Pennsy career and
                      pictures he took in Chicago in 1963.  
Information:   ld_mlc43@comcast.com
Apr 6 (Saturday)  Illinois Railway Museum "Snowflake Special" 'L' fantrip. (9:00 AM-6:00 PM)
Location:      Chartered 'L' train will operate over much of the system. Photo opportunities, potty and lunch stops
                      are included (lunch on individual settlement)
                   Train departs Des Plaines Ave station in Forest Park, IL at 9:00 AM, returning 6:00 PM.
Fare:          $60.00 per person (in advance). Orders received after March 26th will be held for pickup
                   at Forest Park. If any tickets remain on the day of the trip, the same-day fare will be $65.00. No
                   refunds will be given after March 26, 2024.
Further info: https://www.irm.org/event/snowflake-special/?event_date=2024-04-06
Apr 19 (Friday) Railroad & Shortlines Club of Chicago  meeting. (7:30-9:30 PM)
Location:      Chicago Union Station (500 W Jackson Blvd)
                   Room 107A (There are steps up to this room.) 500 W Jackson Blvd (You must enter the station
                    between Clinton and Canal.)
                   Web site: https://rscc.dhke.com/
                   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/railroadshortlinecc
                   Email: shortlinechicagoHS@hotmail.com
                   For program announcements by email, send a blank message To: rscc+subscribe@groups.io
                   Phone number for program announcement: 312 725-0432  Leave a message and your call will
                    be returned. This number is answered during programs for assistance.
Admission:  Free.
Program:     "Fallen Flags Photos," by Russ Sharp.
Apr 27 (Saturday)  Illinois Traction Society 37th annual meet. (9:00 AM-10:00 PM)
Location:      Illinois Railway Museum in Union (McHenry Co), IL.
                    Electric Operations on both Main Line and Streetcar Loop.
                    Diesel Operations on Main Line.
                    Freight Train on Main Line with both Electric and Diesel power!
                    With BONUS service provided by “The Whiz” Electric Bus
Admission:   $50.00.
Registration Form/Additional Information: file:///C:/Users/s_sha/Downloads/ITS%20Annual%20Meet%20Form%202024%20at%20IRM.pdf
Apr 26-27 (Friday & Saturday) Burlington Route Historical Society Spring Meet
Location:      Savanna Inn & Suites (101 Valley View Dr) in Savanna, IL.
Admission:   $65 (for both days).
Program:      Friday -- Registration and Layout and Museum Tours.
                   Saturday -- Swap Meet and Numerous Clincs. Lunch and Supper Included. Evening Presentation:
                     "Savanna Army Depot & the CB&Q," by Savanna Museum and Cultural Center.
Information/Registration: https://www.burlingtonroute.org/BRHS/annual_meetings/spring_meeting/PDF_documents/Official_Spring_Meet_Registration.pdf
May 3 (Friday) Omnibus Society of America meeting. (7:00-9:00 PM -- Please do not arrive before 6:45 PM)
Location:       San Lucas United Church of Christ (Basement), 2914 W North Ave
                      Enter the basement from the walkway on the side of the building. There are steps into the
                      basement. The church is on the north side of North Avenue between Francisco and Richmond
                      (across the street from Humboldt Park).

                      If using public transit, Get off CTA bus #72 NORTH bus at Francisco, or get off CTA bus #94 --
                      CALIFORNIA bus at North Ave and walk west.

                      There is plenty of on-street parking eastbound on the south side of North Ave adjacent to
                      Humboldt Park, or in a small parking lot behind the church.

                      Call Adam on 847 215-0180 if there are difficulties.
Admission:     Members and their guest are admitted without charge. All other are asked to make a $5.00
                        contribution.
Program:        To be announced.

May 17 (Friday) Railroad & Shortlines Club of Chicago  meeting. (7:30-9:30 PM)
Location:      Chicago Union Station (500 W Jackson Blvd)
                   Room 107A (There are steps up to this room.) 500 W Jackson Blvd (You must enter the station
                    between Clinton and Canal.)
                   Web site: https://rscc.dhke.com/
                   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/railroadshortlinecc
                   Email: shortlinechicagoHS@hotmail.com
                   For program announcements by email, send a blank message To: rscc+subscribe@groups.io
                   Phone number for program announcement: 312 725-0432  Leave a message and your call will
                    be returned. This number is answered during programs for assistance.
Admission:  Free.
Program:     "Batavia, IL: three railroads, six lines." by Leo Phillipp.
May 17-19 (Friday-Sundayday) Chicago & North Western Railroad Historical Society Convention
Location:      Holiday Inn Crystal Lake (800 South Route 31 in Crystal Lake, IL). 
Admission:   See https://cnwhs.org/wp1/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CNWHS_2024_Annual_Meet_Registration_Information-1.pdf
Programs:    See https://cnwhs.org/wp1/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CNWHS_2024_Annual_Meet_Registration_Information-1.pdf
Information:    See https://cnwhs.org/wp1/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CNWHS_2024_Annual_Meet_Registration_Information-1.pdf
May 24 (Friday)  Central Electric Railfans' Association meeting. (7:00-9:00 PM)
Location:      899 S. Plymouth Ct.
                   For your first visit, you might need a bit of wayfinding:
                   Though the building is marked “899 South Plymouth,” you can’t actually enter from that street.
                     The staffed entrance is on 9th St., just west of State St. There you’ll be welcomed by a doorman
                     and sent up the elevator to the mezzanine-level meeting room.
                    The building entrance is just 1500 feet from Roosevelt Green/Orange/Red Line stations, or 900
                      feet from the Polk exit from Harrison Red Line station (but there is no elevator at Harrison).
                      Buses 29, 62, and 146 stop at the corner of 9th & State.
                    Parking is available in the buildings on the east side of State Street, and can be prepaid at
                      discount rates through SpotHero.com or ParkWhiz.com. Several restaurants are quite
                      convenient, including Chicago Curry House in the same building, Bar Louie in Dearborn Station
                      and Taco Maya and Lou Malnati’s Pizza, both just across State St.
Admission:   Members for the year 2024 (and their spouse) are admitted free. All others are asked to pay a
                     $5.00 admission. Of course, payment of 2024 membership dues can be made at-the-door.
Program:      To be announced.
Information:  https://www.cera-chicago.org/events
June 1 (Saturday) Chicago Railfan Group friend of the 20th Century RR Club  
                Join us for an all day excursion to the Quad Cities on Saturday June 1 2024. 
                We will depart on a deluxe motor coach (rest rooms equipped) from Chicago Union 
                Station at 7:45am and College Ave Wheaton Metra Station at 8:30 a.  
                  Stops included are a viewing of the old Rock Island Shops and now the Heritage 
                Railroading Heritage of Midwest America. The site is currently under development and may 
                  not be open to viewers but we will do a drive by to show the progress being made.  
                Also included is a stop at the John Deere pavilion in downtown Moline, where some of 
                  their new and old agricultural equipment is on display. I like to call them “big boy toys.”  
                The highlight of the trip is a lunch cruise and narration tour on the Celebration Belle on the 
                 Mississippi River. Join us for a special Captain’s Narrated Lunch Cruise on the Mississippi 
                 River, featuring their hot lunch buffet which is prepared fresh onboard. The excursion will 
                 take in some of the historical sights of the Quad City Area. We will cruise by the Rock Island 
                 Arsenal, located on a 946 acre island, and Lock and Dam #15 with the largest roller dam in 
                 the world. The Captain will tell you about the history and facts of these two sights plus many 
                 more.  
               Some of what you will learn about: 
                 Chief Black Hawk. 
                 The location where the first railroad bridge crossed the Mississippi River. 
                 Learn about the young Illinois attorney (who later became this country’s 16th President) 
                  who defended the bridge in a court battle.  
                 The Captain will tell you about the rich history of the Quad Cities and explain why this 
                   Mighty Mississippi River is vital to each and every one of us!  
                 There may be other stops as time and opportunities allow. 
                Return to Wheaton by 6:30 and Chicago at 7:15 pm.
                We need 20 travelers to make this trip a go. So invite your friends or forward this to them. 

                Cost of the roundtrip motor coach is $135 per person. 
                The lunch cruise is $ 45 per person 
                Please RSVP if you intend to go and I will send payment instructions to you. Deadline to 
                 reply is May 1.  
                Joe Kuczynski 
                Trip Host 
                joethekay@ameritech.net       

June 21 (Friday) Railroad & Shortlines Club of Chicago  meeting. (7:30-9:30 PM)
Location:      Chicago Union Station (500 W Jackson Blvd)
                   Room 107A (There are steps up to this room.) 500 W Jackson Blvd (You must enter the station
                    between Clinton and Canal.)
                   Web site: https://rscc.dhke.com/
                   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/railroadshortlinecc
                   Email: shortlinechicagoHS@hotmail.com
                   For program announcements by email, send a blank message To: rscc+subscribe@groups.io
                   Phone number for program announcement: 312 725-0432  Leave a message and your call will
                    be returned. This number is answered during programs for assistance.
Admission:  Free.
Program:     To be announced.
June 28 (Friday)  Central Electric Railfans' Association meeting. (7:00-9:00 PM)
Location:      899 S. Plymouth Ct.
                   For your first visit, you might need a bit of wayfinding:
                   Though the building is marked “899 South Plymouth,” you can’t actually enter from that street.
                     The staffed entrance is on 9th St., just west of State St. There you’ll be welcomed by a doorman
                     and sent up the elevator to the mezzanine-level meeting room.
                    The building entrance is just 1500 feet from Roosevelt Green/Orange/Red Line stations, or 900
                      feet from the Polk exit from Harrison Red Line station (but there is no elevator at Harrison).
                      Buses 29, 62, and 146 stop at the corner of 9th & State.
                    Parking is available in the buildings on the east side of State Street, and can be prepaid at
                      discount rates through SpotHero.com or ParkWhiz.com. Several restaurants are quite
                      convenient, including Chicago Curry House in the same building, Bar Louie in Dearborn Station
                      and Taco Maya and Lou Malnati’s Pizza, both just across State St.
Admission:   Members for the year 2024 (and their spouse) are admitted free. All others are asked to pay a
                     $5.00 admission. Of course, payment of 2024 membership dues can be made at-the-door.
Program:      To be announced. 
Information:  https://www.cera-chicago.org/events
July 5 (Friday) Omnibus Society of America meeting.
Location:      )
Admission:   ) No meeting scheduled (due to conflict with Independence Day).
Program:      )

July 20 (Saturday) Chicago Terminal Chapter of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical                                        Society  meeting (2:00-5:00 PM)
Location:      Historical Pullman District Visitors Center (11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave) in Chicago.
                      Location is accessible to public transportation using CTA bus #4 , #111A or 115 to/from
                     111th/Cottage Grove Ave or Metra Electric to/from 111/Pullman station (which is not ADA
                      accessible) or to/from 115/Kensington (which is ADA accessible).
Admission:   Free.
Program:      To be announced. 
Information:   ld_mlc43@comcast.com
July 19 (Friday) Railroad & Shortlines Club of Chicago meeting.
Location:      )
Admission:   ) No meeting scheduled.
Program:      )

July 26 (Friday) Central Electric Railfans' Association meeting.
Location:      )
Admission:   ) No meeting scheduled.
Program:      )

June 7 (Friday) Omnibus Society of America meeting. (7:00-9:00 PM -- Please do not arrive before 6:45 PM)
Location:       San Lucas United Church of Christ (Basement), 2914 W North Ave
                      Enter the basement from the walkway on the side of the building. There are steps into the
                      basement. The church is on the north side of North Avenue between Francisco and Richmond
                      (across the street from Humboldt Park).

                      If using public transit, Get off CTA bus #72 NORTH bus at Francisco, or get off CTA bus #94 --
                      CALIFORNIA bus at North Ave and walk west.

                      There is plenty of on-street parking eastbound on the south side of North Ave adjacent to
                      Humboldt Park, or in a small parking lot behind the church.

                      Call Adam on 847 215-0180 if there are difficulties.
Admission:     Members and their guest are admitted without charge. All other are asked to make a $5.00
                        contribution.
Program:        "Musings by Muellenbach," a look at transit service around the Midwest, by  Michael Muellenbach.