New York Central System Historical

Society

2025 Convention & Annual Meeting

The city of Rochester, New York, will be our host for the 2025 NYCSHS Convention on June 6, 7, and 8. At one time, Rochester was served by five different divisions of the New York Central, including the main line, West Shore, Falls Road, Auburn Road, “Hojack” (Ontario Division, former RW&O), and “Peanut” (Tonawanda and Batavia Branch). Today, the former NYC main line is operated by CSX Transportation, with passenger service provided by Amtrak. The old Falls Road is operated by Genesee Valley Transportation as the Falls Road Railroad, while the Auburn Road is operated by Finger Lakes Railway (FGLK). A small portion of the Hojack is also operated by Ontario Midland Railroad.

We will be enjoying a private passenger excursion on Finger Lakes Railway from Canandaigua to Geneva as part of our convention activities. https://fingerlakesrail.com/  This will be followed by a visit to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in nearby Rush to explore and ride the largest collection of historic trains in New York State. We will also have a full slate of presentations on various aspects of New York Central history and modeling, along with a train show and an evening banquet with keynote speaker. Other activities are in the planning stages and will be announced as updates are available.

Rochester is easily accessible by Amtrak Empire Service from New York City, as well as Lake Shore Limited from Chicago or Boston, or Maple Leaf from Toronto. Convenient flights operated by major airlines are available through Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). Our convention hotel is the Hyatt Regency Rochester, located in the heart of the city and convenient to both Amtrak and the airport.

While you attend the convention activities, your family might enjoy visiting The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman House, Susan B. Anthony House, Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester Museum & Science Center, Seneca Park Zoo, Seabreeze Amusement Park, Rochester Public Market, Genesee Brew House at High Falls, Ontario Beach Park on Lake Ontario, Red Wings Baseball at Innovative Field, and more. Besides the busy CSX main line, there are also a number of options for the visiting railfan within an hour of downtown, including Livonia, Avon & Lakeville, Bath & Hammondsport, Falls Road Railroad, Finger Lakes Railway, Ontario Midland, Rochester & Southern, and others.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Flower City for our 2025 NYCSHS Convention!

Sites.

Amtrak Rochester Station

CSX Chicago Mainline(NYC Syracuse Division)

Despatch Shops Inc. former site

CSX Yard(NYC Goodman Street Yard)

Rochester and Genesee Valley RR Museum

Medina RR Museum

Finger Lake’s RR, Geneva, NY

Batavia, NY, famous run of 999, 112 mph run

Wayneport, NY, former site of 4 track coal facility

George Eastman Museum

Susan B Anthony Museum

Innovative Field Rochester Red Wings Baseball

Seneca Park Zoo

Seabreeze Amusement Park

Rochester Institute of Technology

Genesee Brewery

Saturday excursion on Finger Lakes Railway from Canandaigua to Geneva and return on

former NYC Auburn Road line.

The convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Rochester in Rochester, NY. The room rate is $139.00 for single, $149.00 for two persons and $164.00 for three persons, plus taxes and hotel fees. To make a reservation call 800-233-1234 and the NYCSHS group code is G-NYCS. The hotel website is:  https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/roche-hyatt-regency-rochester?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_roche

We are looking for presenters for the convention.  If you are interested, please contact Dave Smoot at davesmoot02@gmail.com

Watch for more details coming soon.

 Additional Details Coming Soon!!

Stay Tuned