C&O Historical Society releases 2025 fundraising calendars

CLIFTON FORGE, VA (LOOTPRESS) – The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society, dedicated to preserving the history of the C&O Railway, has released three new fundraising calendars for 2025.

Among these is the iconic Chessie “The Railroad Kitten” calendar, which is the longest-running railroad-themed calendar in the U.S.

This 91st edition features artwork from the 1930s and 1940s as well as previously unpublished materials from the Chessie “Sleep Like a Kitten” campaign, highlighting the romantic vision of passenger rail travel during that era.

Another offering is the Chesapeake & Ohio Steam Locomotive Power calendar, showcasing historic black-and-white photos of the C&O Railway’s “Mikado” type steam locomotives.

These carefully selected images are sure to appeal to steam train enthusiasts.

In addition, the Society is offering a bundled set of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Through the New River Gorge trilogy, first published between 2022 and 2024.

This set features rare photos from the Society’s archives and external sources, with detailed captions providing insights into the railroad and industrial history of the New River Gorge in West Virginia.

The calendars feature 36 frame-worthy photos and include written dedications to six retired railroaders, honoring their contributions to the C&O Railway.

The calendars are available for purchase at the C&O Railway Heritage Center Museum Gift Shop in Clifton Forge, at the satellite museum in St. Albans , West Virginia, online at ChessieShop.com , or by phone.

Proceeds from calendar sales will support the Society’s ongoing mission to preserve and interpret the history of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway.