Membership

Preservationist- Advocating the preservation component of MRPS for a donation of $1-$99. Benefit is recognition in website Honor Roll of Donors, (anonymous option if desired).

Restorationist- Advocating the restoration component of MRPS for $100-$249. Benefit is recognition in website Honor Roll of Donors, (anonymous option if desired).

Historian- Advocating the importance of Cleveland's contribution to the nation's railroad history for $250-$499. Benefit is recognition in website Honor Roll of Donors, (anonymous option if desired).

Educator- Advocating the educational component of MRPS. Benefits include website Honor Roll recognition plus Annual Reception at Historic B&O Roundhouse for $500+ donors. 

4070 Level- The Grand Trunk Western #4070 Mikado, the heart and soul of MRPS is at $1,000-$2,400 donation. Benefits include website Honor Roll, Annual Roundhouse reception, plus two complimentary tickets to an MRPS fan trip. 

Roundhouse Level- The Historic B&O Roundhouse, built in the early 20th century and home of MRPS component at a $2,500-$4,999 donation. Benefits include the previous along with the 5% discount on one ticket for Rail Excursion Company trip of your choice. 

Founders Level- Chapter 123 of the 1826 Session Laws of Maryland passed February 28,1827 and the commonwealth on March 8th 1827 charter the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company, with the task of building a railroad from the port of Baltimore west to a suitable point on the Ohio River. The railroad, formally incorporated April 24 1827, was intended to provide not only an alternative to but a faster route for Midwestern goods to reach the East Coast than the 7 year old, hugely successful but slow Erie Canal across upstate New York. The Baltimore and Ohio was the first Chartered railroad in the United States. At 5,000-$9,999, same as previous benefits plus 2 additional complimentary tickets (total of 4) for MRPS fan trip and 5% discount on 2 Rail Excursion Company tickets of your choice. 

Phillip Thomas Presidents Level- Phillip Tomas and George Brown were the pioneers of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. They spent the year 1826 investigating Railway enterprises in England, which were at that time being tested in comprehensive fashion as commercial ventures. Their investigation completed, they held an organizational meeting on February 12 1827, including about 25 citizens, most of whom were Baltimore merchants and bankers. After incorporation on April 24th, 1827 Thomas was elected as first president and Brown the Treasurer. 

Help Preserve our great Railroading past by becoming part of its future! Do you have a passion for steam, steel, oil and large machines? Want to help repair and restore vintage railroad equipment of every type and size? Willing to get a bit dirty and "hands on" with real units? Then you might want to consider becoming a member of the MRPS!

Your membership: 1.) Demonstrates community's mission of MRPS which is important for our fundraising efforts 2.) Helps offset the cost of our newsletter,"Marker Lights" the official publication of MRPS. 25% of your membership is tax deductible 75%  is used for the newsletter and non tax deductible. Our preservation efforts will perpetuate America's historical timeline, one that will be gone if measures are not taken to guarantee its continued existence. 

Our membership is of all ages from every profession and background. If you already have a trade or skill, that's great. If not all we ask is that you are willing to learn. We will give you a chance to develop skills and abilities that most people only dream about - including a brakeman, conductor or engineer! 

Even if you are not really on the mechanical side, you may want to help out with administration, fundraising, and public relations, newsletter, excursions and other activities. So whatever your interests and talents. We've got a place for you! Besides being 18 or older, our member ship requirements are simple:

• Share a passion for Railroading
• Be ready to lend a safe helping hand
• Respect our equipment and facility
• Be willing to get involved!

Normal volunteer times at the Roundhouse are Saturdays (9:30am til 4:30pm) and most Wednesdays (5:00-9:00pm). However the hours you contribute are flexible according to your schedule, and remember, you can also help out by working from home or only on special occasions. 

We'll hope you consider joining us as we work to shape a future that Preserve and honors the contributions that our railroad have made to Ohio's industrial, economic and social history.  

If you would like to join us, click on our downloadable application form below.

As a new member, you will receive a welcome package with your member ID card, an embroidered membership patch and a copy of our General Information and Safety Guidelines.