Chapter Background and Information
Here's a little information about our group, officially known as the Pacific Northwest Chapter (or PNWC for short).
Who are we?
The PNWC was formed in 1955 as a non-profit Oregon corporation.
Founders of our Chapter said their objectives would be
"...to preserve historical materials of railway transportation;
to collect data on the history of transportation and to issue
publications relating to this subject; to encourage rail transportation;
and to acquire real and personal property appropriate for a museum and
the purposes listed above." Fifty years later we are still
going strong, with roughly 250 members, a remarkable library, archives,
and over a dozen pieces of rolling stock. Our members range in age
from 16 years old to over 90 years young.
Chapter of what?
We are affiliated with the
National Railway Historical Society
(or NRHS for short). The NRHS is a non-profit organization, which was
formed in 1935 for historical and educational purposes. The Pacific
Northwest Chapter is one of more than 171 affiliates (total as of
1996), mostly located within the United States but also with some
Chapters in Canada and Europe. Click the link to the National Railway
Historical Society for more information, but not before you bookmark
our page!
Who can join?
Any person age 16 or older and with an interest in railroading is
eligible for membership. Members receive the monthly Chapter newsletter,
The Trainmaster and also the National
Railway Bulletin published by NRHS.
Membership meetings:
Meetings of the membership are held every month, usually on the third
Friday. Visitors are warmly welcomed! Typically, we first
address the general business of the Chapter. This can be a great time
to learn about not only what the PNWC is doing, but also what other
rail-related groups are doing in the region and around the world. We
then break for refreshments, and after the break we have the program.
Monthly programs are always interesting and often feature guest speakers,
multimedia presentations or videos selected from our extensive
library. See the
Calendar for dates, times, and locations.
Board of Director's Meetings:
The Chapter is governed by a Board of Directors, headed by Chapter
Officers in the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, National Director, as well as a special position reserved
for the former President for one year after his/her term ends.
Officers serve one-year terms, Directors At Large serve three-year terms.
All of these are positions elected by the general Membership at the
December membership meeting.
Board of Directors meetings are held every month, usually on the Thursday
one week prior to the Membership meeting. Unlike the monthly Membership
meeting, the Board of Directors Meeting is not open to the general public.
All PNWC members are welcome and invited to attend. See the
Calendar for dates, times, and locations.
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