New England Steam Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. We depend entirely on the support of our volunteer members and generous donations to further our cause. There are many ways you can help with the restoration of Maine Central #470!
Membership
The main force behind #470’s restoration is NESCo’s membership. All of the membership dues that NESCo collects are put directly into the restoration of the locomotive. It is this annual support that continues to drive the organization forward. NESCo offers several different levels of membership for those who wish to make an additional financial contribution annually. Even if you don’t live in Maine, you can make a tremendous impact on our project!
One hundred percent of our restoration is conducted by volunteers, who are required to be members of NESCo (our insurance only covers NESCo members). If you are interested in participating in the restoration or maintenance of our equipment, click here to join our organization, and we'll schedule you for the initial safety class. All members must attend our safety class before working on any project with NESCo.
Volunteers can assume many different roles, ranging from machinists to office workers and everything in between. NESCo provides on-the-job training for the safe use of tools, especially those used in historic trades associated with steam locomotive maintenance. Working on these giants is fulfilling work that can create great friendships and foster community pride in our projects. Everyone benefits, especially the locomotive!
Donations
NESCo does not receive any kind of government grants or funding. All of the materials and funding for the purchase and restoration of #470 has come from generous corporate or individual donations or grants.
The donation we need the most, of course, is money. The project will require over $1 million in restoration funding. Every dollar counts! Click the "donate" button below to send a monetary donation to our cause.
In addition to money, we accept almost any kind of donation that can be used to fund the restoration of our fine steam locomotives. We will also consider accepting donations of items, such as tools and machinery, safety equipment, or parts and materials for the equipment we restore. Corporations are also welcome to donate materials or professional services towards our restoration effort. You can view a list of our past and present supporters here.
Planned Giving
What will be your legacy? If it’s important to you that NESCo’s collection and programs are here for the benefit of future generations, please consider including NESCo in your estate planning. Click here for more information!