July 15, 2026 - TRA Newswire -

Three Texas rail preservation organizations along with one each from Oklahoma and New Mexico are among some 34 around the country that have been awarded grants from the National Railway Historical Society to preserve assets and keep the history of rail alive.

The grant program was established by the NRHS to help railway history efforts and this year received 46 applications requesting more $330,000 in funding. $187,000 in grants were awarded.

“On behalf of the NRHS, the Board of Directors, and myself, I extend sincere appreciation to the Heritage Grants Committee for its steadfast commitment to the mission of the NRHS and to preserving railroad history,” White said. “We also gratefully acknowledge our members, whose donations help sustain this important program. We encourage all applicants to continue their efforts to preserve and share our nation’s rail heritage.”

Texas grants were awarded to:

• Burkburnett Historical Society, Burkburnett, TX: $8,000 towards repair of Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad depot
• DeLeon Area Historical Society, DeLeon, TX: $7,000 toward the restoration of the DeLeon Depot windows
• Wichita Falls Railroad Museum, Wichita Falls, TX: $5,000 towards renovation of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad power coach number 7203
• Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Albuquerque, NM: $10,000 towards restoration of Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge Baggage Express Car 163
• Major County Historical Society, Fairview, OK: $5,000 towards repair of Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railway Depot

Lancaster Texas raising funds for historic MKT Depot

The Lancaster Historical Society is in the process of raising funds to continue work on their 1888 MKT Train Depot and fully restore it.  Carol Burk, treasurer of the Lancaster Historical Society, reports that a charitable foundation has committed $100,000 to be totally used on the Depot but in order to get the entire amount the LHS has to raise match money.

Thanks to a number of citizens and local businesses the Lancaster Historical Society has raised $65,000. "We know it is going to take more than $200K to bring this building back to being a contributing asset for our community," said Burk. They are looking for individuals or groups interested in possible tax deductible donations. Members of the Katy Historical Society have donated over $600 toward the cause. Interested parties can contact Carol Burk at (214) 957-9666 or cstrainburk@msn.com.

From the LHS Facebook page it's noted that "Every tax-deductible gift brings us closer to preserving this significant piece of Lancaster’s history. LHS extends heartfelt appreciation to Skybox Data Centers for their ongoing and meaningful support of our community. Their generosity has made a significant impact, with contributions not only benefiting our organization but also supporting a range of local groups, including LISD, the Lancaster Fire Department, Lancaster Park and Recreation, as well as various other important projects. Their commitment to uplifting Lancaster is truly valued."