The Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation and the Steam Railroading Institute (hereafter referred to as SRI) is announcing the departure of Mr. Matthew R. Folland from our organization as Executive Director. Matt has elected to leave his position at SRI to completing his Masters Degree at Eastern Michigan University and thereafter to pursue other professional and academic opportunities. He has provided SRI with much needed professional guidance and expertise regarding the museum business. We thank him for his efforts on our behalf and wish him every success with his future endeavors. His input will always be welcome.

Simultaneously with Mr. Folland's departure, SRI is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas J. Gaffney to the Position of Executive Director. He comes to us from the Port Huron Museum, where he held the position of Curator of Collections. Mr. Gaffney is a graduate of Denison University where he earned a degree in History, and he completed graduate work in History at Clemson University. Mr. Gaffney will assume the position of Executive Director immediately, reporting to the President. He has a vast background in historical preservation and knowledge of railroad history both as a curator and noted author.

We also wish to announce that Mr. Byron (Barney) Gramling has been elevated from Round House Foreman to the position of Chief Mechanical Officer and will now answer directly to the President. Barney has been a key factor in the continued success of SRI's operations during the previous year. His background and skills in the railroad industry were invaluable as he effectively managed an extensive overhaul of former Pere Marquette steam locomotive No. 1225 this summer. His presence has also had a positive influence on volunteerism at SRI, which is the foundation of our organizations efforts.

SRI is confident that these changes in our full time staffing will enhance our ability to achieve our primary goal of building a first class museum for the interpretation and operation of steam-era railroad technology. Accomplishing this goal and completing our planned improvements to our Owosso, Michigan site providing an entertaining education to others on the impact that this important industry has had on the culture and economy of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. All of the above changes will take effect January 1, 2007.

The Steam Railroading Institute, located at 405 S. Washington St. in Owosso, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to educating the public about steam-era rail technology and its impact on the culture and economy of the Great Lakes region. The institute is home to the majestic Pere Marquette No. 1225. For more information, call (989) 725-9464, or visit www.mstrp.com.


Thomas A. Grace
President/CEO
Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation, Inc.

Is the 1225 larger than the 765 at Fort Wayne? I thought they were almost identical sisters.

Merry Christmas everyone.

JD Johnson, Morehead and North Fork Railroad Historian

Sorry I already reminded him of 765.

Again Sorry

Kevin

Matt, congratulations on completing (this phase of?) your studies, and best wishes.

T. J., congratulations on your move.

Barney, congratulations on your promotion.

JAC

Barney, condolences on your promotion.

dave

Wow, congratulations to TJ. He certainly deserves it.

Kelly Lynch