The Adirondack Railway Preservation Society was started by a group of devoted preservationists who, in 1992, banded together and proposed to fix and operate a short section of the former New York Central line from Thendara south to Minnehaha. New York State approved the four mile demonstration and on July 4, 1992, the Adirondack Centennial Railroad ran its first train. With a positive response from the public, New York State allowed the railroad to operate again in 1993. In July of 1994 the Adirondack Centennial Railroad became the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, and New York State has extended the permission to run each year since.
With the support of individuals, corporate and foundation sponsorships, and large measures of support from government leaders, we have returned nearly 70 miles of track to passenger service, acquired and refurbished enough equipment to provide comfortable, safe, regular seasonal service between Memorial Weekend and Thanksgiving, and carried 600,000 tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to experience some of the most pristine mountain terrain in remote areas of the Adirondacks. All with minimal impact on the environment.
Our operation has spurred the restoration or reconstruction of historic stations in Holland Patent and Remsen, New York, and the people of Tupper Lake are now rebuilding their railroad station.
The Preservation Society that operates the railroad is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation chartered by the New York State Department of Education. The Railroad is staffed by 150 volunteers and only a few full, and part-time employees.
WHERE WE WILL GO - Our goal now is ...
• To initiate development of rail and coordinated trail based education and historical projects
• To complete the restoration of the remaining track between Saranac Lake and Carter Station, north of Old Forge
• To restore service between the end points of Lake Placid and Utica.
The recognition we have achieved in national and regional magazines for our preservation and reconstruction efforts will allow us to begin the next step. However, if the Society is to continue to preserve and develop the historic and educational potential of the Utica to Lake Placid rail line, your financial support is also critical. Please consider one of the following levels of involvement.
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