Information About The
Burlington Route Historical Society

Who we are
The Burlington Route Historical Society (BRHS) is an Illinois non-profit corporation. The membership, which is over a 1,100 consists of diverse group of historians, collectors, railfans, photographers, modelers and railroad employees who have banded together to share one common interest, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad; its two affiliates, the Colorado & Southern and the Fort Worth & Denver; and their predecessors.

The fellowship created by this common interest and the opportunity for networking with members and others are the society's greatest assets.

BRHS activities are geared to serve the wide variety of interests of its members on almost every facet of the CB&Q as it served "Everywhere West."

BRHS Publications
Founded in October 1979, the BRHS has enjoyed a steady growth that now allows us to produce two publications.

The Burlington Bulletin,
named after one of the CB&Q's own internal publications, is a slick paper magazine with feature articles about operations, equipment and communities along the "Way of the Zephyrs." Each issue is devoted solely to the Burlington and contains no commercial advertising. In 1989 a Burlington Bulletin article was the recipient of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society's "David P. Morgan Article Award." This marked the first time the award was given to an article in a publication other than one of the mainstream national magazines. The BRHS is justifiably proud of this recognition.

The Zephyr,
named after the CB&Q's Passenger Department newsletter, is our newsletter featuring Society news, current events, articles on modeling, and frequently data sheets on equipment, structures or operation. Also included is a Question and Answer forum where members share information you never dreamed was available.

Due to the volunteer nature of our society, our publication schedule is somewhat irregular, even though we strive to get Zephyrs distributed January, May and September and Burlington Bulletins out in March, July and November, plus a calendar each year.

Membership Invitation
We cordially invite you to join over 1100 members from all 50 states in America and numerous countries abroad, by joining online.

No matter how diverse your interests are or how unique your specialty, we're certain you'll enjoy the publication, activities and the many acquaintances you'll meet after joining the Burlington Route Historical Society. Come and share your fascination with the great Burlington Route.

BRHS Information



BRHS Resources

Volunteer Power
The BRHS depends heavily upon its members to provide support for the group through their willingness to contribute in any way possible. Those with experience in any phase of publishing, drafting, have knowledge of the operation of the Burlington, web publishing skills, or have collections of photographs or information are encouraged to offer their assistance.

Financial Support
Those wishing to provide additional financial support may join as a Conductors Club or Sustaining Member, and in recognition of that support, a list of all those members are published in the Annual Report once per year and every Burlington Bulletin.

Libraries, historical societies, museums and other organizations interested in preserving and sharing the Burlington story, while not legally allowed to be members, are invited to subscribe to our publications at a price equal to one year's dues.

Membership Activities
However, publications aren't the only benefits of membership in the BRHS! Each fall the members of the BRHS meet in a city served by, or with a link to,  the Burlington. This 2-3 day meet normally includes our annual business meeting, model contest and display, photography contest, clinics, an evening dinner and program. A one-day spring meet, that includes a swap session, evening meal, and a program, is also scheduled.

By working together, we can accomplish much more than through individual efforts. Materials presented for publication, or for sharing with the membership in other ways, come from private collections or through research at various repositories of Burlington records.

All Aboard!

 


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