Our 'Third Thursday' program meetings feature presentations by speakers knowledgeable about railroad history, operations and rail travel. Meetings are generally held at 8:00 PM on the Third Thursday of the month, live-streamed as a Zoom Webinar. All are welcome to view our programs, Mass Bay RRE membership is appreciated but not necessary. Links to the program meetings are posted here about a week in advance, and are also sent by email to our contact list. Upcoming programs are listed below.
In-person meetings are occassionally held at the Union Church in Waban (14 Collins Road, Newton, MA), at the intersection of Beacon Street and Waban Ave., just west of the MBTA Green Line's Waban station. See below or all 978-470-2066 for directions.
On the first Tuesday of odd-numbered months we hold a more informal on-line gathering: "First Tuesday Members Night." This is a time for members to share their photos or short video program with others in an informal session. Individual presentations are usually 5 - 15 minutes in length and cover a wide variety of topics. Members and non-members alike are welcome. Links to the First Tuesday meetings are posted here about a week in advance, and are also sent by email to our contact list.
For last minute updates or meeting cancellations in bad weather, please call our information line at 978-470-2066.
Meetings will continue to be held monthly and streamed remotely via Zoom video webinar. Video of our Third Thursday programs is available for later viewing on the Mass Bay RRE YouTube channel.
PAST Third Thursday Program Meetings
Past Third Thursday program meetings may be viewed at any time
on the Mass Bay RRE YouTube channel.
For details of previous Third Thursday programs that are available for viewing,
go to the PAST MEETINGS PAGE
Thursday, April 17, 6:30 PM at the Pearl Street Station Restaurant, 53 Summer Street, Malden, MA:
Dinner in the Depot:
'Need for Speed - the New Haven Railroad's Quest for High Speed Rail'
Presented by Brent Bette of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum
Mass Bay RRE is excited to welcome Brent Bette as our guest speaker for our 'Dinner in the Depot' in Malden this year. Brent is a lifelong fan of the New Haven Railroad. The program will provide an in-depth overview and analysis of the people, policies and equipment that drove the New Haven's quest for high speed rail in the mid-1950s, resulting in development of the Roger Williams, the Dan'l Webster and the John Quincy Adams.
The Northeast is the only region in America that offers any semblance of high speed rail in the country. Home to some of the nation's most prominent financial and cultural centers, the ability to efficiently travel between these urban areas has been a century old quest by the railroads serving it, including the New Haven. RIGHT: The Roger Williams train. (NHRHTA)
From the early 20th century to its merger with Penn Central, the railroad aggressively pursued a policy of high speed rail, investing millions in an attempt to move passengers more quickly. However, the requirements for such efficiency came with both the demand for luxury as well as increasing pressure from rapidly improving air travel. In many ways, the New Haven was ahead of its time but lacked the necessary capital and technological support to fully realize the vision. Today, rail improvement plans throughout the region are built on the framework and spirit of its pioneering predecessor.
Brent Bette holds a bachelor's degree in history from Bates College, a master's in American Studies/Museum Development from Trinity College as well as a master's in school development from Harvard University. After fifteen years as a public educator, Brent decided to make his passion his profession, going to work for the Housatonic Railroad. He is currently a rail officer for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, focusing on property oversight and agreements. Dedicated to the preservation of railroad history, Brent is past president of the Railroad Museum of New England and currently a member of the board of directors at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. He and his wife Ally along with their dog Bentley reside in Pittsfield, their house conveniently overlooking the Berkshire Line.
Doors open 6:00 PM ● Buffet Dinner 6:30 PM ● Program starts at 8:00 PM
Dinner reservations: Mass Bay RRE Members $35, Non-members $40
Buffet dinner reservations are limited to just 40 guests and are available on-line at
DEPOT DINNER RESERVATIONS or by phone at 978-470-2066.
Guests are welcome to attend the program without the buffet dinner at no charge.
Advance reservations are recommended to ensure adequate seating for all!
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON PROGRAM ONLY – NO ZOOM OR LIVE STREAM!
Thursday, May 15, 8:00 PM, live-streamed via Zoom Webinar:
Program to be announced.
Do you have a suggestion for a Third Thursday meeting program?
We are now developing our Third Thursday programs for May 2025 and beyond. To offer or suggest a program, contact us at info@massbayrre.org or call us at 978-470-2066. We expect that most programs will be presented remotely over ZOOM.
First Tuesday 'Members' Night' Meetings
(Held on the first Tuesday of odd-numbered months)
First Tuesday 'Members' Night' meetings are currently being conducted as a Zoom video meeting. The next 'Members' Night' is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 8:00 PM.
If you have photos or video that you'd like to show, please contact us!
To view the First Tuesday program LIVE, click the link below
on May 6 at 7:50 PM or later.
(Zoom meeting will open 10 minutes before start of program)
Virtual Rail Events Calendar
One of the surprising benefits to come out of the pandemic was the rise of Zoom virtual meetings. Several railfan groups quickly took advantage of this and made their monthly programs available to the world. George Chiasson recognized this development and began emailing a spreadsheet calendar of railfan Zoom programs in 2020. He paused that effort a few months ago due to increasing work obligations.
But railfan Zoom programs continue unabated. Even as some groups have returned to in-person meetings, they have recognized the value of continuing virtual programs on Zoom. John Williams has revived George's calendar of virtual railfan programs in a new format – it's now hosted on Google Calendar. The new format's advantages go far beyond just being easy to maintain. It makes possible a big addition to the entries with minimal effort, including meeting times in all four time zones! Clicking on a meeting entry will reveal more detail, including a link to the group's website.
Meeting Location
In-person Mass Bay RRE Program Meetings are occasionally held at the Union Church at 14 Collins Road (corner of Beacon Street), Waban, MA, (near the Waban MBTA stop on the Green Line):
If you are arriving on the T, exit the station onto Beacon St.; the Church is adjacent to the Waban Station.
If you are driving, take Exit 21 East off Route 128 (I-95) onto Rte. 16 (Washington St.). At the first traffic light east of 128 fork right onto Beacon St. and go 0.9 mile. The Union Church is on the right just before Beacon Street jogs to the left over the Green Line. If the church lot is full you may park on the street or in the Waban Station parking lot. CLICK FOR MAP
Check the Callboy or the website to confirm date, time, and location of meetings.
Contact Us:
Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts, Inc.
P.O. Box 4245
Andover, MA 01810-0814, or
Information Line 978-470-2066
Email: info@massbayrre.org or visit our "Contact Us" page.
