We're about to start day two of our annual (and sold-out) 2025 "Conversations" conference, presented by Center for Railroad Photography & Art. This year's event began Friday evening at the Grohmann Museum in Milwaukee with a fantastic opening reception of "Kalmbach Art Collection: Pairing Words and Imagery." The historic collection was donated to the Center by Kalmbach Media before the company ended its 90-year run; more than 200 attendees were dazzled by artwork that appeared in Trains Magazine and Kalmbach books. Former Trains editor and CRP&A board member Kevin Keefe gave an marvelous presentation about Kalmbach's art department and spotlighted several key artists. The display will continue through August 18. (Photos by Elrond Lawrence) Day two of presentations are at Lake Forest College. Follow our friends at Railfan & Railroad Magazine who have been posting this weekend and watch for more photos soon! (fb)

May 13 was the birthday anniversary of the great railroad photographer Ronald C. Hill, whose collection is cared for by the Center. Using primarily Leica and Hasselblad cameras (of which he was an ardent devotee), Ron created an incredible body of both color and black-and-white photography. Here is one of his colorful gems: Great Northern F45 429 in "Big Sky Blue" leading an eastbound freight across the high bridge at West Java, Montana, on August 17, 1969, with a mix of motive power and GN liveries. (Hill-10-24-11) (fb)