Fortunately there seems to be a little more interest developing in programs that address quasi-technical topics, including aspects of locomotive history and railroad operations. I think that this may be a reaction to the massive number of color books that have been published that are basically peoples slide shows' on a particular railroad or region put into print. Once you have seen a couple dozen color roster books and a bunch of "xyz railroad by the numbers" slide shows, they all get to look the same. Programs that provide new and unusual content are a welcome change.
But one really big problem with our hobby is that a lot of the enthusiast and historical groups don't do an effective job of getting the word out about their programs and activities, not just to the general public, but even within their own membership. As I have noted before, some of the groups whose meetings I attend either provide little advance notice of programs or bury the upcoming events deep in their bulletins. It is almost as if they don't want people to know what they are doing.
"We Repair No Locomotive Before Its Time"