Volunteer

Volunteer at the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

We have multiple options for volunteering at the Museum. We are always seeking volunteers who are passionate about sharing the stories of American railroading, enthusiastic about historic preservation, and enjoy serving our community.

Volunteer Benefits

• FREE Family & Friends Museum Membership, which includes free admission for up to 4 adults and 4 children!
• Behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and upcoming exhibits and collection items not currently open to the public
• Early access to all public programming and events
• Community engagement to share local histories of our famous collection
• Professional development & experience in non-profit and museum programming
• A unique experience to enjoy with our visitors!

See the options below for all types of volunteering. Note: For individual adult volunteers, we ask that you can give a minimum of (1) 6-hour shift per month for 1 year. Typically, volunteers at the Museum work a weekly shift.

Volunteer at THE POLAR EXPRESS™

November & December 2025: The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation is looking for volunteers to help with our annual, super fun, super festive event, The Polar Express!

Volunteer Train Conductors

Volunteer Train Conductors are critical to the operation of the Mile One Express maintenance and train rides.

Volunteer Docents

Docents are often the public face of the museum that visitors interact with most. It’s a fun, social assignment where you get to help bring the Museum alive through sharing the history and stories of the American Railroading.

Adult Volunteering

Volunteers assist in every department of the Museum and we regularly recruit volunteers for a wide variety of assignments, ranging from the Archives to Train Conductors.

Special Events Volunteering

Interested in volunteering but not able to make a long-term commitment? We still need you!

Group Service Projects

There is strength in numbers, and we could always use a few extra hands. 

Youth Volunteering

We love our youth volunteers and are looking for motivated, positive, responsible individuals aged 16+ to help us at the museum.

Volunteer FAQ

Current Volunteers

Please see here for access to Volunteer portal.