So who is the "owner" of the NN? I see the operation is run by the non-profit group, White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation.

Unfortunately most rail museums are run like clubs. And unfortunately board members and directors at these places oftentimes try to hold onto their positions. They may even con the membership into voting them more job security, and voting the membership less power. Welcome to the world of grown-ups playing with trains. And yes it should not be that way.

If things are really that bad, a group of members could study the bylaws and find out how to oust the undesirables.

Sorry to hear that such a cool place has attitude problems.

Nobody is getting younger there so things will eventually change.