Newly available in the GNRHS online store are scanned diagram books covering Great Northern freight, passenger and work equipment as well as locomotives, spanning years from 1917 to 1969. Check out the collection here, including bundles by era and equipment type!

As you may have already heard, the GNRHS Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Willmar convention. We know that this may come as a disappointment to many of you, particularly those who have been regular attendees of past conventions. You, as well as GNRHS staff, committee persons and board members look forward each year to the long standing tradition of gathering in person to renew friendships, share stories and continue to celebrate the Great Northern Railway legacy.

We all know how the scourge of Covid has altered, rearranged and generally interfered with most aspects of our daily lives. That fact and the general unknown about how long it will take to return to some kind of normalcy was certainly one of the factors in our decision.

As you might imagine, the preparation, planning and execution of a successful convention involves many moving parts. – not to mention the countless hours of volunteer time that it requires. The committee who had formed to host the Willmar event experienced a set of unforeseen difficulties and complications, which led them to choose not to go forward. We thank them for their efforts and acknowledge their willingness to host the 2021 convention.

We are exploring options to coordinate an online experience that, though not as socially rewarding as an in-person event, would allow us to gather virtually in a way that might be more inclusive for those who have not been physically able to attend in the past.

Please stay safe as we all go about our daily lives! Stay tuned for updates and news about the GNRHS via our various media platforms. And as Rocky would say ….
Go Great Northern!

We know that many of you are missing your December GOAT. Though GNRHS met all deadlines for submitting the GOAT to our printer, the mailing was delayed by two weeks due to Covid challenges at SpectraPrint. The GOAT was delivered to the Post Office in Stevens Point WI on December 14. As you all know, the Postal Service has reported significant delays in delivering mail during this holiday season. Furthermore, the GOAT is mailed at bulk rate which does not move nearly as quickly as first class mail. Please give the Post Office a little more time to catch up on deliveries. If you have NOT received your GOAT by January 10, please contact Mary McGlothlin by clicking HERE and selecting “Membership Secretary.”

We thank you for your patience.