The Sacramento Model Railroad Historical Society (SMRHS) grew out of the 1948 establishment of the Sacramento Model Railroad Club. Incorporated in the State of California in 2000, SMRHS, Inc. is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for public and charitable purposes (Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). All incorporation documents are available on-site for public viewing.

The Sacramento Model Railroad Historical Society is dedicated to advancing understanding of railroading and its history and impact on the development of our nation, as well as developing an understanding of railroad operations and technical skills through model railroading. The society constructs and maintains model railroads based on prototype railroading, conduct educational programs, provide public shows, provide technical information to the general public, and provide a service to the local community.