The 2026 A. C. Gilbert Heritage Society National Convention was held at Harrisonburg, Virginia, on July 16, 17, and 18. This year’s Convention celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Erector White Truck Model, considered by many to be one of Gilbert’s most iconic Classic Period models. Our host hotel was the Best Western Plus Harrisonburg, and the Convention Show was held at the Exhibit Hall on the Rockingham County Fairgrounds. Among the Convention highlights were the Thursday evening Welcome Picnic, visits to Luray Caverns and the Cross Keys Civil War Battlefield, and of course the Convention Show and Banquet. As a 2026 Convention bonus, all Convention attendees received a copy of the newly published “Member’s White Truck Models” booklet, which includes a complete history of the White Truck plus dozens of photos of White Truck models built by ACGHS members from coast to coast — all this commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Gilbert’s White Truck Erector sets.
One of the Convention highlights occurred when long-time A. C. Gilbert Heritage Society member Joe Grobmyer received “The Bill Harrison ACGHS Lifetime Achievement Award.” Joe was also the Convention’s keynote speaker, providing an outstanding presentation on the history of the Erector White Truck model.
Click here for the entire schedule for the 2026 National Convention (PDF)
