2014 Convention - Helena

2014 GNRHS Convention - Helena, MT

The 2014 GNRHS Convention will be held at Helena, Montana from Saturday, July 12th to Wednesday, July 16th.

Image from the collection of Ben Ringnalda

This year's convention will welcome you to Montana's capital city of Helena. You値l have a chance to meet old friends, make a few new ones, and spend several days talking and experiencing the Great Northern. Great tours are planned following the original Montana Central through one of the most beautiful canyons on the Great Northern as well as the cities of Butte and Great Falls and the former GN facilities there. Other tours will take us to the Montana Capital and Historical Society, the Original Governor’s Mansion and Last Chance Train Tour and and the Pioneer Cabin, Reeder’s Alley and other interesting locations. We'll also have our customary presentations about numerous subjects on the Great Northern.

Our convention headquarters is located on former GN right-of-way in the appropriately named and themed Great Northern Best Western, with rooms reserved starting on Friday, July 11, 2014, so that those participating in the Saturday tour will be able to check in at convention rates.

If you would like to stay at the Great Northern Best Western, please call 1-406-457-5500 to reserve your room and ask for the Great Northern Railway convention rate (rate cannot be booked over the internet or the Best Western 1-800 number). The convention rate is:

• $128 + tax per night for a double queen room
• $138 + tax per night for a king room

Please note: we regret that we're having to cancel the Saturday Night non-host dinner. A venue big enough for our group could not be found. Instead a list of recommended restaurants will be provided.

Register Online now! or download the registration form below and mail it in. Late registrations are still being accepted (please see the note toward the bottom of the page).

Click the links below for more convention info:

• Register Online
• Download Mail-in Registration Form (PDF)
• NEW! Preliminary Convention Timecard (PDF), subject to change in advance of the convention.
• Convention Schedule (PDF)
• Hotel Website
• Hotel Fact Sheet and Directions

More information about Helena and its History:

• Wikipedia page on Helena, MT
• Helena as She Was, the following pages include historic photos and information about the GN in Helena:
  • Transportation (GN and NP)
  • Great Northern Town Center (Location of the former GN depot and yard and currently our convention hotel)
  • The Civic Center (Located next to GN depot and Hill Park)
  • High School on Wheels (Coaches donated by GN and NP for high school after earthquack)
  • North of Helena (Prickly Pear or Wolf Creek Canyon)
  • South of Helena (Includes GN branchline that served the Alhambra Hotel)

Please note: Convention Registration is available to current GNRHS Members only. Registrations postmarked after June 13, 2014 or reservations at the convention site will be subject to a $20.00 late registration fee. Registrations postmarked after June 13 and on-site reservations are NOT assured of tour space. Apparel is ordered based on advance registration requests and will not be available for late registrations or registrations at the convention site.

Convention Apparel: the shirt crest artwork for the 2014 Helena Convention will feature Rocky and The Ranch logo. The left sleeve will feature GN's G bar N brand. The attendees shirt color will be stone, and the men's shirt will have a left pocket.