The National New York Central Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to restore railroad equipment and to educate the public on railroading and The New York Central Railroad in particular. Since 1987, volunteers have helped the Museum by presenting its interpretive, educational, and restoration programs. They contribute their time and talents to enrich the experience of the many Museum visitors.

Discover our volunteer opportunities and match your interests and skills with Museum’s needs. You can choose the assignment that is right for you and decide your own level of participation. The Museum provides many volunteer opportunities and is always looking for people with an interest in public service who want to contribute time to one of the Museum’s many projects.

People with an enthusiasm about history and an ability to communicate with the public will find a variety of assigments that will allow them to share their skills and knowledge with Museum visitors. Our volunteers come from all walks of life; educators, college students, professionals, retirees, all who unselfishly share their skills and knowledge with visitors by helping to interpret the history of the New York Central Railroad.

As a volunteer you could:

• Greet visitors in the Museum and interpret the history of the New York Central and the people who worked on the railroad for them.
• Revive the past by demonstrating to visitors how steam or diesel technology changed America and explain how it works on an actual full size locomotive.
• Receive specialized instruction to become a docent(lecturer or guide) so that you can pass along your interest in railroading to visitors, both young and old.
• Help refurbish locomotives and rolling stock in the Museum’s yard, as a member of the Museum’s restoration crew.
• Help perform maintenance of way on the more than a mile of rail on the Museum’s grounds as a member of the Museum’s Gandy Dancer crew.
• Participate in the Museum’s library and archives by identifying and processing the railroad history collection. Others may be delighted to interview retired railroaders to permanently capture their colorful stories on tape for future generations.
• Assist visitors in the Museum’s Gift Shop by selling merchandise benefiting the Museum.
• Share your enthusiasm with children of all ages by conducting special guided tours.
• Help the Museum’s Staff “behind the scenes” in support services including typing, mailing, duplicating, etc.
• Help with the application of modern computer technology to the Museum’s business needs, web site, and collections management.
• Complete additional training to participate in ticket sales at the front desk and disseminating information about the Museum and the surrounding area.
• Here is your opportunity to help our guests feel welcome and answer any questions they might have.
• Help in other areas of Museum activity including: hospitality support at special events; speaking about the Museum at off-site forums; creating authentic period costumes for special events; as well as many other activities.

Join the dedicated people who are making a difference at the National New York Central Railroad Museum as an active volunteer and member. There is no pressure to do active work, but most do. The Museum depends upon the efforts of people like you to continue its ambitious interpretive and educational heritage for future generations? Get involved today!