About Us

The Maywood Station Historical Committee (MSHC) division of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society operates the Maywood Station Museum and is chartered as a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 non-profit, educational and historical organization with a mission to preserve our railroad and cultural heritage through restoration and preservation, historical awareness, archiving and interpretation, museum open houses, meetings and special events.

The MSHC was formed on May 29, 2002 by volunteers who wanted to save the 1872-built New York, Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W) railroad station at 269 Maywood Avenue, Maywood, New Jersey after it became public that the Borough of Maywood had signed a demolition order against the historic building. The last regular NYS&W passenger trains ceased in 1966 and the tracks in front of the station have been freight-only ever since. The station had languished from years of disrepair since it was last used by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a meeting hall in the early 1990's. Over the next decade, the NYS&W made numerous attempts to lease the station but the town and railroad could not come to an agreement on its final use.

On June 5, 2002, the MSHC entered into an agreement with the NYS&W for the proposed restoration of the station and use as a meeting place for the group as well as museum featuring local railroad and town history with emphasis on how the Borough of Maywood developed around the station. On June 14, 2002, the MSHC received a Certification of Eligibility on the station for placement on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. This certification was obtained only 10 days after it was applied for by the MSHC. The station was identified as one of the oldest existing in the State of New Jersey still retaining most of its original character.

As news spread of the proposed restoration in the press, several railroad historical societies contacted the MSHC offering assistance. On June 20, 2002, the MSHC elected to become a division of the tax-exempt 501(c)3, non-profit, New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society, Inc. (NYS&WT&HS). Almost immediately, the MSHC began fundraising initiatives by conducting an engraved brick drive and sought out other donation possibilities. By early July 2002, a long-term lease on the station was struck with the NYS&W. Simultaneously; the MSHC began the restoration project with weekly work sessions.

On August 4, 2002, the MSHC submitted an application for permanent placement of the station on the New Jersey and National Historical Registers. On February 18, 2003, Maywood Station was placed on the New Jersey Register of Historical Places followed by May 29, 2003 when it was placed on the National Register of Historical Places.

The MSHC's main objectives have been to restore, revitalize and preserve the historic Victorian Style station. Stucco had been applied to the exterior of the station in 1920 and the first order of business when the MSHC commenced work in early July 2002, was to remove the stucco and restore the station to its original board and batten appearance. While removing the stucco, numerous paint samples were discovered including what was thought to be the original New Jersey Midland Railroad (NYS&W predecessor) colors. The MSHC, through the assistance of our architect, Thomas A. Fenniman, had the various paint samples professionally analyzed in a lab and the tests found, indeed, that the New Jersey Midland Railroad paint was still present. The colors were certified and the MSHC obtained correct color matches. The station is now the only restored station on the NYS&W painted in authentic New Jersey Midland Railroad colors inside and out. By late July 2002, the station was stabilized with a new roof applied as well as over 5-tons of stucco removed from the exterior walls and the grounds completely graded. By early October 2002, the exterior of the station was completely sanded and primed and painting had begun. Progress continued through 2003 with a new bay window, fencing, interior and exterior lighting, slate flooring, heating and the original rolling freight platform door installed. An engraved brick walkway around the perimeter of the station has been added and the windows have been reglazed and painted. During the summer of 2003, the MSHC commenced restoration work on the station interior. Original color samples taken from the interior were again tested and the station's interior now features the original 1890's-era Victorian colors while the walls have been completely reworked and finished in a natural wood stain. During early 2004, work was completed on installing the new ADA compliant bathroom. The MSHC restored the station's exterior completely during the spring of 2004 and finished the interior in August 2004. Additional restoration work continued through 2005 and, in 2006, additional handicap accessibility and landscaping improvements were completed.

The Official Grand Opening of the restored station and museum took place on Saturday, September 25, 2004. The station museum features artifacts from railroads in the local region and highlights the station's role in the development of the Borough of Maywood through interpretive displays. The Maywood Station Museum serves as a full-functioning "living history" museum preserving railroad and local history for future generations to enjoy. In November 2004, the Maywood Station Museum was listed as a Historical Archive by the State of New Jersey. In January 2007, the Maywood Station Museum became the official site of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society's archives, which contain 1000's of drawings, maps, track diagrams, photos, timetables, documents and records covering the history of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway. Please click on our Museum Operating Schedule for upcoming dates and times that the station museum will be open to the public. Aside from the normal museum operating schedule, the Maywood Station Museum is also available by appointment for class trips; boys and girls scouts trips; senior citizen trips and for other organizations and clubs as well as for movie and television filming; commercial props; photo shoots; etc. Please Contact Us and send us an e-mail for further information and available dates and times.

In addition to the Maywood Station Restoration Project and Museum, the MSHC has also restored an actual caboose at Maywood Station. The interior of the caboose features additional displays and an operating model train layout. More information can be found on our Caboose 24542 Page. In late 2008, a new project involving the restoration of original New York, Susquehanna & Western Alco S-2 diesel locomotive #206 commenced at Maywood Station and the cosmetic restoration was completed in fall 2009. On September 10, 2009, NYS&W S-2 #206 was placed on the State of New Jersey Register of Historical Places joining Maywood Station, which was previously placed on February 18, 2003. On March 19, 2010, NYS&W S-2 #206 was placed on the National Register of Historical Places also joining Maywood Station, which was previously placed on May 29, 2003. In the August 2010 issue of Trains Magazine, NYS&W S-2 #206 was featured in the Preservation section. Trains Magazine is the largest railroad industry magazine with a worldwide circulation of over 150,000 subscribers. Additional information about NYS&W S-2 #206 can be found on our NYS&W Alco S-2 #206 Page. 

The MSHC is also active in railroad and historical awareness programs; has participated in local charitable events; sponsored children's historical drawing contests; and has been involved in NJ Operation Toy Train in conjunction with the U. S. Marine Corps Toys For Tots toy drive. The MSHC also host the hugely popular Santa at Maywood Station each December and as well as other special events at the station each year  including Annual Railroad Day at Maywood Station and the Maywood Station Museum Backyard Summer Concert Series. Please CLICK HERE to see the full article about Santa at Maywood Station that appeared in the December 16, 2007 issue of The Record Newspaper.

The volunteer efforts of the MSHC have garnered numerous awards for the group. The MSHC have been the recipients of the 2011 County of Bergen Historic Preservation Award in the category of Preservation or Restoration of a Structure, Object or Site for the restoration and preservation of New York, Susquehanna & Western ALCO S-2 Locomotive #206; the 2009 County of Bergen Historic Preservation Award in the category of Preservation Education for producing the DVD Documentary "The Maywood Station Story"; the 2008 County of Bergen Historic Preservation Award in the category of Preservation Education for educational programs at the Maywood Station Museum; the 2006 State of New Jersey Historic Preservation Award for the restoration and preservation of Maywood Station; the 2005 County of Bergen Historic Preservation Award in the category of Historic Leadership for recognition of historic awareness; and the 2004 County of Bergen Historic Preservation Award in the category of Preservation or Restoration of a Structure, Object or Site for the restoration and preservation of Maywood Station. To date, the MSHC has earned a total of 35 different restoration and preservation awards; commendations; proclamations; and resolutions from all levels of government including the United States Senate, New Jersey Senate, New Jersey General Assembly, the County of Bergen, the  County of Bergen Board of Chosen Freeholders, the County of Bergen Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs and the Borough of Maywood. 

The press continues to cover the Maywood Station restoration and museum in local and regional newspapers, magazines and on television news broadcasts. Please CLICK HERE to see the article, Preserving a Bit of History, which appeared in the May 26, 2011 issue of The Record Newspaper about the MSHC's restoration and preservation of New York, Susquehanna & Western ALCO S-2 Locomotive #206 and the 2011 County of Bergen Historic Preservation Award. Please CLICK HERE to see the full article, Restoring the NYS&W's Maywood Station, which appeared in the September 2006 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman Magazine. Please CLICK HERE to see the article Modeling in 1:1 and 1:160 about Maywood Station and Caboose 24542, which appeared in the March/April 2007 issue of N Scale Railroading Magazine. In 2006, the Atlas Model Railroad Company released H.O. scale and N-scale models worldwide of the actual Maywood Station and in 2010 released an O-Scale version. Models are available on our Museum Store Page. A review of the model appeared in the September 2007 issue of Model Railroad News. Please CLICK HERE to see the full review. The Maywood Station™ model was also featured on the cover and in an article in the October 2009 issue of Model Railroader Magazine. Please CLICK HERE to see the cover and article.

In March 2009, a professional documentary narrated by Emmy award-winner Carl Quintanilla of NBC News titled "The Maywood Station Story" was released on DVD highlighting the restoration and museum with many historic views. The documentary DVD received the 2009 Historic Preservation Commendation Award from the County of Bergen, New Jersey Historic Preservation Advisory Board and was cited as an excellent example of a Historic Preservation effort in the category of Preservation Education.  Please CLICK HERE to see the article, "Memories of Maywood Station", which appeared in the October 8, 2009 issue of the Our Town Newspaper and was written by former Maywood resident Peggy Hoag Lackner Jensen about memories of growing up in Maywood in the 1930's and 1940's that were evoked after viewing "The Maywood Station Story" documentary DVD. DVD's are available on our Museum Store Page.

In January 2010, a book authored by historian and Maywood Station Historical Committee President, Edward S. Kaminski entitled "Maywood - The Borough, The Railroad and The Station" was released by Arcadia Publishing. The 128-page book traces Maywood's history from a farming community through its population and industrial growth brought on in part by the coming of the New Jersey Midland Railway in 1872. Separate chapters include The Borough of Maywood; The New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad in Maywood; and Maywood Station including its role in the development of Maywood and its recent restoration and museum with over 200 quality images and detailed captions. The book is available on our Museum Store Page. In November 2010, a another book authored by historian and Maywood Station Historical Committee President, Edward S. Kaminski entitled "New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad in New Jersey" was released by Arcadia Publishing Company. The 128-page book features a wealth of images, most of which have never appeared in print, showcasing the history of the original lines served by the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad in New Jersey and is illustrated with over 200 quality photographs with detailed captions providing the reader with a visual journey into this historic railroad's past. The book also includes coverage of the Borough of Maywood and Maywood Station. The book is available on our Museum Store Page.

The Maywood Station Museum is available by appointment for commercial  photography and movie filming purposes and has become a popular location for wedding, engagement, modeling, and magazine photo shoots; advertising backdrops; film commercials; and movie shoots. Due to insurance reasons, PERMISSION MUST BE OBTAINED IN ADVANCE FROM THE MAYWOOD STATION HISTORICAL COMMITTEE FOR ANY PROPOSED COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY OR FILMING AT THE STATION OR ON THE MUSEUM GROUNDS. The Maywood Station Museum also offers our own in-house photography and video services. For more information, please go to our Photo & Filming Inquiries Page. 

To date, over 20,000 volunteer hours have been spent by MSHC members restoring Maywood Station and transforming it into a museum as well as the restoration and preservation work on Caboose 24542 and NYS&W S-2 #206. The membership of the MSHC currently meet at the station twice a month. New members are always welcome and it is not a requirement to be a resident of Maywood for membership. For more information on the Maywood Station Historical Committee, the Maywood Station Museum or about becoming a member, please Contact Us and send us an e-mail or stop by the station during a Museum Open House.

The success of the MSHC's restoration and museum has evolved into a "case study" by the historical community for other groups attempting similar projects. The historical community has concluded that the group has restored a station like none other since an exceptional amount of the original structure was reworked and restored as a completely volunteer project. The MSHC has been receiving continual local, county and statewide support for their restoration and museum efforts and its roster is comprised of volunteers from all walks of life working for a common goal. The results have been impressive and prove what can happen when a group unites for a common cause to save a piece of its history and at the same time renews pride in its community.