This year's reporting of the NRHS convention is apparently being done by their webmaster, and so far is right up to date. Remember last year it was left incomplete for weeks and became the object of some discussions? Link is posted below.

MX

http://www.nrhs.com/nrhsconv/2007conv/index.html#jwl

Nice job! Good to see them get back on track. Some nice night shots.

They got their Friday coverage posted, and I see that this year they actually mentioned the two speakers who did railroad history presentations. This is a vast improvement from last year when the speakers were ignored completely in the summary.

It remains to be seen whether there will be any change on the part of local chapters, some of which distinctly convey the attitude that guest speakers are priviledged to get access to the NRHS rather than the chapter being fortunate to get to see their presentations.

MX

Interesting to note that none of the participants look younger than myself, and I'm 60...

In my area, if you want to see a younger crowd you need to go to meetings of the NMRA or the single-railroad historical societies where the venue is much more diesel oriented. The NRHS still has not figured out that the demographics of the pool of potential members have changed significantly over the last few years.

MX

They may not look younger than 60 because during the week most folks who can attend these weekday events are not retired and have to work. I'm not denying the aging of the membership, but many of us 40- somethings were tied down at work.

Matt Bumgarner

Being a bit younger than 60 myself, I take umbrage to the assumption on the NRHS being only for the elderly. I attended the entire convention, and I saw quite a few younger adults, even with small children. The trains were very hot, but so was most of the South. The children were not complaining or running amok.

While trying not to brag, I have attended 10 conventions over the last 12 years. All along, people have moaned about the old folks being the "only" ones who attend. Since 1996, I too have aged, but have brought along a few younger friends from time to time. All the while, I have kept my ears open. I have heard some amazing first hand experiences from the conventioneers, about photography, the railroad business, and the early years of the NRHS plus it's middle age. If you say you love history and are boycotting a convention because of all the old folks, you are doing yourself a disservice.

It is true that younger people don't have a lot of time, or enough money to attend all of the trips. But if you can make SOME time, take a trip or two, and actually attend these seminars you say the conventions need more of, you will benefit. Many of the repeat attendees have become like family. It's a lot like Thanksgiving, where the family still bickers over old problems, but they still realize they have a common bond.

By the way, this is the second convention run by the National officers, and they did a terrific job. Congratulations.

Actually, this was the third convention that the National ran -- the 1981 convention in Louisville was also run by the National, though much of the planning was done by the local chapter.

Bob H