The Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society (BHRS) was chartered in 1984 to offer excursions on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad (NBER). At that time, the NBER was a new short line operating trackage owned by the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority.

Speeders - BHRS raises funds through “speeder” rides.

RDCs - In 1984, BHRS received its first major piece of equipment, RDC-1 #9167. Built in 1953 as New York, New Haven & Hartford RDC #40, it later served SEPTA before being retired and given to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. It arrived in Bellefonte in December 1984. In 1992, BHRS acquired a second rail diesel car. RDC-1 #9153 was built in 1962 for The Reading Company and later operated by the MBTA. With both cars, BHRS ran excursions throughout Centre County. In 2005, BHRS suspended service due to mechanical issues, rising costs, and new regulations. Both RDCs were sidelined. After more than ten years in repair, RDC #9167 finally returned home in 2023. In May 2025, RDC #9153 was restored to full operation after nearly 20 years out of service.

Passenger - NBER provides passenger operations with pieces of the North Shore Railroad passenger fleet for larger (higher capacity) excursions.

BHRS continues to preserve local railroad history through restoration and excursions. By operating historic equipment and offering scenic rides, the Society connects current generations to the railroading heritage of Bellefonte and Centre County.

For information on upcoming trips, please visit the BHRS Ticket Page.