The 2023 National Convention took place on July 20, 21, and 22 at the Best Western Plus in North Haven, Connecticut. The Convention theme, “Back to Where It All Began,” included events at the Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop in Hamden, Connecticut, A. C. Gilbert’s office at Erector Square in downtown New Haven, the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University, The Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven, Stony Creek Harbor and the Thimble Islands for a cruise aboard the “Sea Mist,” and dinner at the home of ACGHS member Al Ridinger, including tours of Al’s Erector room, American Flyer train layout, and antique car garage.
The Convention Show, titled the “A. C. Gilbert Vintage Train & Toy Show,” took place Saturday morning in the Ballroom of the Best Western Plus North Haven. The day concluded with our Banquet, which featured speaker Ryan Paxton, Director of the Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop, who challenged attendees with a unique model-building exercise to help explain the museum’s approach to “STEAM” education — “science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.”
Finally, the banquet concluded with the “passing of the gavel” from outgoing President David Gilbert to incoming President Greg Bilek.
Two videos from the convention are available on the 2023 National Convention Videos page (Part 1: Reminiscences and Part 2: Convention Floor).
Photos from the 2023 ACGHS National Convention
Enjoy this photo gallery that showcases the events and venues of the 2023 National Convention in New Haven, Conn.
