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Black River Railroad Historical Trust |
Get Involved
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Do you have an interest in local history, a passion for railroading, or a love for sharing knowledge with others? If so, you should consider
joining the Trust. Our members come from all walks of life: professional railroaders, computer programmers, and everything in
between.
Some of our volunteers donate their time almost every weekend, while others do so once or twice per month. Members are encouraged
to chose a level of involvement that suits their individual needs.
Members may participate in Black River Railroad System training. This comprehensive program requires no previous railroad experience, and over time participants may work their way up from Car Host all the way to Locomotive Engineer. Members have a say in the direction of the organization and are encouraged to participate in committees and run for leadership positions. Don't have time to volunteer? Membership in the Trust does not require volunteer work. You may join the organization simply to support our work with your annual dues. |
About the Trust
Activities
Passenger Excursions
The Trust operates the passenger excursions and other public events on the Black River & Western Railroad in rural Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Our volunteers are constantly
striving to offer the public the best possible opportunity to experience small-town railroading on the BR&W. Most of our events are suitable for all ages, while some, such
as the Saturday Night Special and our Murder Mysteries are more appropriate for adult guests.
Equipment Restoration
We are currently involved in several equipment restoration projects aimed at preserving historic railroad artifacts for the enjoyment and education of our guests for years to come.
Current projects include:
- Restoration of a historic Central Railroad of New Jersey baggage car for use as a small museum in Ringoes.
- Repair of an antique baggage cart for display at Ringoes.
- Full restoration of a hand operated maintanance of way crane for use in track maintanance projects on the BR&W.
- Cosmetic restoration of a Mack industrial switcher locomotive for display at Ringoes.
Public Education
We are always looking for opportunities to work with community organizations for the purpose of providing public education about the railroad industry and its
long history in our area.
Contact Information
General Inquiries
Please carefully read all available information on this site before submitting an email inquiry.
Due to the volunteer nature of our organization we are unable to accept general telephone inquiries. Please contact us through email only.
Email us at info@brrht.org.
US Mail
DO NOT send correspondance for the Black River & Western Railroad (BRW), Belvidere & Delaware River Railway (BDRV), or Black River Enterprises (BRE) to our PO Box shown below as we are unable to forward mail to these unaffiliated companies.
All BRRHT US Mail should be directed to:
Black River Railroad Historical Trust
PO Box 232
Ringoes, NJ 08551
Press
Contact Michael Shea at mshea@brrht.org for all press/media inquiries.
Photo Shoots, Charters, and Location Bookings
For information on booking a private charter, holding a photo shoot, or booking any other private activity on BR&W property contact Marian LaRowe at mlarowe@brwrr.com.
Leadership
Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for the general direction of the organization and oversee the Board of Directors.
- Mr. Kean Burenga
- Mr. Gary Jepsen
- Mr. Don Lachenauer
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the day to day operation of the organization.
- Mr. Michael Gil (President) - serving since 2005: mgil@brrht.org
- Mr. Michael Shea (Vice-President) - serving since 2006: mshea@brrht.org
- Mr. Vincent Vaccarella (Treasurer) - serving since 2010: vince@brrht.org
- Mr. Jerry Jagger (Secretary) - serving since 2009: jjagger@brrht.org
- Mr. Dick Hague - serving since 2010: dick@brrht.org
- Mr. Scott Kwiatkowski - serving since 2009: scott@brrht.org
- Mr. John Warrick - serving since 2005: jwarrick@brrht.org
Our Home
The Black River & Western Railroad
Most of the Trust's trains and events are operated on the Black River & Western Railroad (BR&W) in rural Hunterdon County, NJ. In business since 1964, the BR&W currently operates between Ringoes, Flemington, and Three Bridges, NJ. The BR&W property between Ringoes and Flemington was purchased from the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the property between Flemington and Three Bridges was purchased from the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The line has been in continuous commercial service since its construction in 1854.
Unlike many short line railroads and museums that offer passenger train excursions, the Black River & Western is a Class III common carrier railroad. That means that, in addition to hosting tourist trains, the BR&W serves local industrial customers and connects to the North American rail network.
Rail freight service is just one of several services offered by the BR&W. Other services include transload facilities, locomotive leasing, and more. For additional information about doing business with the BR&W please visit their corporate site at www.brwrr.com.
