Fascinated by railroading history? Interested in working on a train? Enjoy working with visitors, children and school groups?
California State Parks, the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park (SHP) are now recruiting adults (18 or older) who are interested in volunteering to help communicate the West’s fascinating heritage of railroading and the California Gold Rush.
For those interested but want to find out more information, a special, drop-in Volunteer Open House is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Stanford Gallery located at 111 I Street in Old Sacramento State Historic Park.
Volunteer applications are being accepted now through June 13, 2014. After an evaluation and interview process, volunteer training will begin on June 23, 2014.
Anyone who has ever visited the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento SHP has undoubtedly crossed paths with a docent.
Each year, approximately 600 men and women volunteer for the California State Railroad Museum’s programs -- including weekend excursion train operations, track construction, restoration and maintenance, even clerical work.
Since the Museum’s 1976 inception, volunteers have contributed more than two million hours of service.
A background in history is not required to become a volunteer. In fact, most of the volunteers in the popular program began with little knowledge of railroads or the Gold Rush.
As individuals become more familiar with the Museum’s varied and frequent programs, many volunteers take on additional responsibilities, such as conducting research or giving talks to community organizations. Upon graduation, new docents can choose to work in the Museum interacting with visitors from around the world, working in the railroad restoration shops on rare and unique railroad equipment, work on the Sacramento Southern Excursion Railroad, or other jobs in this dynamic and fun environment.
Volunteer training represents a serious commitment of 84 volunteer hours annually, but the hours are flexible and the rewards can be tremendous. Docents get perks such as a discount at the Museum store, preferential and/or early access to some special events and the pride of working at North America’s largest and most extensive railroad-related museum!
Volunteer applications can be downloaded
here.
Completed applications can be emailed to
volunteers.capital@parks.ca.gov or mailed/delivered to the Volunteer Coordinator, Capital District, 111 I St., Sacramento, CA 95814. More information is available at 916-323-9280 or 916-475-7969.
For more information about the California Railroad Museum, visit
csrmf.org or call (916) 323-9280.
Blog Post information courtesy of T-Rock Communications. Picture courtesy of the California Railroad Museum.
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