Why is the NHRHTA Membership Structure Changing?
To avoid a dues increase . . .
It’s starting to cost us more to produce the Shoreliner than we collect in dues. In fact, for some time now, we have subsidized this core mission with sales of models and other merchandise. While we expect this cross-subsidization will continue to some extent, it’s not a sustainable long-term financial model. In short, in order to fulfill our core mission into the future, we need to either find additional sources of income, or increase dues.
2. To provide additional benefits . . .
We announced our new Online Archive at the 2025 Convention. We have wanted for many years to provide access to our growing collection of New Haven Railroad-related material and photos, but haven’t had the resources of money or volunteers to do so.
Providing Additional Benefits Without Increasing Dues
By changing our membership structure to a tiered approach, the Board of Directors believes we can accomplish both of these goals at the same time. For those satisfied with our current Shoreliner and SpeedWitch offerings, we will continue to offer a “Basic Membership” with no increase in dues. We will also be offering an optional new “Full Membership,” that, for a nominal additional cost, will provide access to our new Online Archive of New Haven Documents, data, videos and photographs.
So, instead of implementing a typical dues increase which would just cover cost with no additional value, our new approach creates a higher-value option, at a nominal additional cost, in order to provide as much choice as possible while also mitigating rising costs.
It’s YOUR choice!
Basic Membership: You can remain a “Basic” member at $40/year, provided you pay by check or money order. If you pay by credit card, you’ll be billed $3.50/month (equivalent to $42/year) to cover the credit card charges. This will be processed via the Patreon payment platform. You will continue to receive our publications as you always have.
Full Membership: If you want access to our Online Archive in addition to receiving the publications, you will need to become a “Full” member at $5.00/month. This option, as well as credit card payment for Basic Membership, requires an account with Patreon.
“Full Membership” is a Great Value!
For comparison purposes, if we did nothing else, everyone’s dues would have to increase to approximately $50 per year to cover our increased costs. However, if you sign up for “Full Membership” - which will include full access to our Online Archive - the cost is equivalent to $60/year. For only $10 more than the otherwise unavoidable increase you receive access to all the Archive has to offer.
Summary
We sincerely hope this new structure will provide the additional resources we need to not only support our publications, but to allow us to expand our offerings and fulfill our core mission to keep the Spirit of the New Haven Railroad alive for many years to come.
If you have any questions on Patreon or our new method of signing up for membership/Online archive access,
Please email: onlinearchive@nhrhta.org