BSRA Home

50 Years of the BSRA

In 2009, we celebrated our 50th anniversary with a series of events and publications. Come read the story of our founding and relive the events of that special year!

Learn More >

HOME   /   WHO WE ARE

About the BSRA

The Boston Street Railway Association is a non-profit, 501(c)-3 educational organization, dedicated to exploring the history of all forms of public transportation in the greater Boston area, and preserving present-day activities for future generations. Our central objectives—history, preservation, and publications—are achieved through monthly meetings; a streetcar restoration program; a bi-monthly transit news magazine; a series of respected publications; and more. These activities are outlined below:

  • Meetings are held in Boston on the first Saturday of every month. These are free of charge and open to the public, and consist of a short business meeting followed by an educational entertainment program, typically consisting of transit scenes from around New England, the country, and the world.
    Learn more about our Monthly Meetings >
  • We manage the restoration of a historic Boston streetcar—Type 5 No. 5706—with the ultimate intent of a fully restored, operational streetcar. Donations and support from our members have pushed this project along rapidly in recent years.
    View photos and learn more about Type 5 No. 5706 >
  • Our bi-monthly news magazine, Rollsign, features articles of current and historical interest on New England transit activities, and each issue features numerous, reader-submitted color photos.
    Learn more about Rollsign >
  • We regularly publish books, focused primarily on Boston and New England transt history. The latest, our 24th "Bulletin," is Boston Transit Equipment: 1979–2009.
    Learn more about our publications >
  • As a method of both fundraising and education, we also re-sell books, DVDs, and materials of interest produced by outside vendors. These are available by mail order and in our online bookstore.
    Visit our bookstore >
  • Occasional "fan trips" are also organized on local trolley, trackless trolley, bus, and rapid transit lines, as well as to museums and transportation facilities around New England. We also host special events, like the bi-annual Boston Trolley Meet.
    Learn more about our fan trips and events >

If you're interested in joining the BSRA on our journey, we have several membership levels available, including a special rate for those under the age of 18, and a Rollsign subscription-only level.
Click here for more information on BSRA membership >