The John F. Sytsma photograph collection contains materials related to the railroad in the United States; Sytsma is an authority on railroads and trains, specifically in the northeastern United States. He was a member of the Civilian Defense Auxiliary Group (Railroads) for the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad.

The John F. Sytsma railroad collection (1904-1986) consist of a variety of materials about railroads and trains in the United States. Included are letters, time tables, a time book, rosters, illustrations, and other papers. Sytsma is an authority on railroads and trains, specifically in the northeastern United States. He was a member of the Civilian Defense Auxiliary Group (Railroads) for the New York Susquehanna and Western Railroad.