Kalmbach Media: A History of Hobby and Science Publishing
From its humble beginnings in a Milwaukee office to its evolution into a diversified media powerhouse, Kalmbach Media has spent decades documenting the passions of hobbyists and science enthusiasts. What started as a niche publication for model railroaders has grown into a broad portfolio of titles that bridge the gap between technical skill and scientific curiosity.
The Early Years and Railroad Roots
The company's journey began in the summer of 1933 at 545 S. 84th Street in Milwaukee. Its first publication, The Model Railroader, debuted with a cover date of January 1934. Despite a press release in August 1933, the magazine initially struggled to garner significant interest.
By 1940, the company's success allowed for the launch of Trains Magazine, a publication focused on railroads in general. Debuting in November 1940, the magazine experienced rapid growth, starting with a circulation of just over 5,000.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Strategic Shifts and Expansion
For several decades, Kalmbach handled both the editorial and physical production of its magazines. However, in 1973, the company transitioned to become exclusively a publisher by discontinuing its internal printing operations and contracting production to external printers. The space previously used for printing later housed the Milwaukee Racine & Troy model railroad until its removal in 1989.
The 1980s and 90s marked a period of aggressive diversification. In 1985, Kalmbach acquired AstroMedia Corporation, which brought four new titles into the fold: Astronomy, Deep Sky, Telescope Making, and the children's science magazine Odyssey.
In 1989, the company relocated its headquarters from 1027 N. 7th Street in Milwaukee—a site that now serves Milwaukee PBS and the Milwaukee Area Technical College—to a new location in Waukesha.
Broadening the Portfolio
The early 1990s saw further expansion and refinement of the company's focus. In November 1990, Kalmbach launched its annual Great Model Railroads publication. This was followed in 1991 by the purchase of Greenberg Publishing of Sykesville, Maryland, and Greenberg Shows, which managed nearly two dozen doll house and model railroad shows on the East Coast.
To better focus on the adult hobby and leisure market, Kalmbach sold the rights to Odyssey to Cobblestone Publishing in September 1991. Shortly after, in January 1992, the company introduced Earth magazine.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Modern Era and Corporate Evolution
Kalmbach continued to scale its science offerings by purchasing Discover Media, the publisher of Discover magazine, in August 2010. The company also experimented with the gaming market, acquiring the Kentucky-based board game company Rather Dashing Games in 2016, though it later sold the entity to Catalyst Game Labs in 2018.
Leadership transitions played a key role in the company's modernization. Following the retirement of president Gerald B. Boettcher in June 2012, Charles R. Croft took over the role. In 2017, the company broke tradition by hiring its first external leader in 84 years, digital media veteran Dan Hickey, as the sixth CEO. To reflect its evolving nature, the company was officially renamed Kalmbach Media in 2018.
Key Facts
- Founded: First publication launched in 1933.
- Flagship Titles: The Model Railroader and Trains Magazine.
- Major Acquisitions: AstroMedia Corporation (1985), Greenberg Publishing (1991), and Discover Media (2010).
- Headquarters Move: Relocated from Milwaukee to Waukesha in 1989.
- Corporate Rebrand: Renamed Kalmbach Media in 2018.
Publication Timeline Summary
| Year | Event/Publication | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | The Model Railroader | First company publication |
| 1940 | Trains Magazine | Rapid growth in railroad media |
| 1973 | Printing Discontinued | Shift to exclusive publishing model |
| 1985 | AstroMedia Purchase | Entry into astronomy and science titles |
| 2010 | Discover Media Purchase | Acquisition of Discover magazine |
| 2018 | Renamed Kalmbach Media | Modern corporate rebranding |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kalmbach start publishing?
Kalmbach began publishing in the summer of 1933 with its first title, The Model Railroader.
What was the first magazine launched by the company?
The first publication was The Model Railroader, which carried a cover date of January 1934.
Why did Kalmbach sell Odyssey magazine?
The company sold the publication rights of Odyssey to Cobblestone Publishing in 1991 to focus more specifically on the adult hobby and leisure market.
Who was the first CEO hired from outside the company?
Dan Hickey, a digital media veteran, became the first leader hired from outside the company when he was appointed as the sixth CEO in 2017.
Where is Kalmbach Media currently located?
The company moved from its Milwaukee offices to its current location in Waukesha in 1989.