Demonstrate and operate various pieces of historic railroad equipment from the Museum’s collections in safe surroundings. Training is unique to these positions and is detailed in the equipment operations training manuals (available upon request).
Front-desk volunteers greet museum visitors, collect fees, and issue admission tickets; give directions and answer simple questions. Museum staff will train volunteers on operating the cash register and credit card terminal.
Trained volunteers lead tours for schools and other groups.
The Museum Annex is open weather permitting. Annex volunteers answer visitor questions and guide them through the equipment in the collection. Gradual learning about the locomotives and railroad cars on exhibit by reading the Museum Equipment Guide is expected. Volunteers who pass the museum’s safety test give handcar rides.
Volunteers sell tickets for train or motor car rides on weekends and holidays May through September, and during special events, in the Wabuska Depot near the museum entrance. Museum staff will train volunteers on operating the cash register and credit card terminal.
Responsibilities include operating a point-of-sale system, price scanner, and credit-card terminal. Knowledge of the content of books or details about other merchandise is not required.
Help get grants from local and state government, donations from businesses and private parties, and volunteer hours.
Assist the Education Department by answering phone calls and documenting school and adult tour requests. With experience, volunteers can enter information into the computer and generate tour guide requests. Volunteers will use office phone, Microsoft Windows and Office software. Training provided. Needed 2-5 hours Monday-Friday.
Provide both entertaining and educational tours through museum exhibits and the Capitol building for school groups and adult groups. After Tour Guide training, shadow experienced tour guides and be paired with a mentor to refine your tour skills. Preferred volunteer traits include enthusiasm for engaging with a variety of groups and ages, ability to learn…
Many education programs and special events require craft materials prepared in advance. Volunteers will use scissors, copier, paper cutter, and other office equipment. Training provided. This will be concentrated during the week before a special event but can also be done on a weekly basis.