From the Railroad Museum of Long Island to the Black River & Western Railroad and the Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum, Joseph Costa is actively involved in the Northeast’s rail preservation scene. Mentorship from friends and family has been key to keeping the 33-year-old motivated, even while managing his neurodivergent limitations. Costa is determined to pass along that mentorship, encouraging others to get involved without letting their own struggles slow them down.
How did you get involved in rail preservation?
Joseph Costa: I got my foot in the door with the Railroad Museum of Long Island. I’ve been visiting there since I was a little kid, and have been going there almost every weekend. Then in 2007, I decided to put the peanut butter with the chocolate and become a volunteer. Later down the line, I got involved with a couple of projects, including the restoration of Long Island 4-6-0 No. 39.
I joined up with a few more organizations, like the Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum and a couple of chapters through the National Railway Historical Society. I’m also the president of the Long Island Chapter of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society and have been a Board Member for the society since last year.
I got my start in all of this through Railroad Museum of Long Island President Don Fisher. He’s like a second father to me and helped open doors.
As a young preservationist, what have you found to be the most challenging aspects in the industry?
Joseph Costa: Rail preservation can be a complicated process. No two days are ever the same: you meet with one problem, you fix it, and then you get another problem afterwards. There will be a couple of times I’ll work on a project and do good at it, but sometimes things could change everyday. So it can be a complicated process. I still pursue it. I’m not one of those guys where I’ll just throw a metaphorical wrench in the ground and say, “Screw this. I’m going to come back tomorrow.”
What’s been the most rewarding for you so far?
Joseph Costa: Normally, I’m like that Fruit Loop in a bowl of Cheerios-type of person. I’m learning new things like how to use a needle scaler, torching painting, which is now one of my go-tos. Overall, I think the most rewarding thing is accomplishing the challenges previously mentioned and being able to try and conquer things I never really got to conquer before.
Where do you see rail preservation as it is today and what do you hope it’ll become for the future?
Joseph Costa: We have a junior program through the Oyster Bay Rail Road Museum where junior volunteers work on a small project every month, plus the museum sponsors a couple of individuals for rail camp programs. It’s been drawing a lot of the younger generation, and honestly, seeing it firsthand, it’s pretty great. It would be great if more people in the neurodivergent community are able to be included. It gives a lot of inclusion, and it helps them become more independent and self-confident. This is why I want to try and get my story out there and tell people, “Listen, don’t let your deficiencies get the better of you and don’t let the world define you.”
What advice would you give for any young person looking to get involved in the industry?
Joseph Costa: My dad always says, “Never let one setback spoil your day.” So, like I said before, just never let your setbacks and struggles keep you from achieving your dream to volunteer for a railroad preservation group or working for a railroad itself.
