Volunteer

Help protect history and
keep the heritage of railroads alive
at one of the most exciting Museums
in the United States.

General Info

Would you like to help preserve, interpret, or communicate our railroad history? Do you have a passion for inspiring others, working on vintage equipment, or simply want to help maintain the tracks or signals of our operating railroad? Help make a difference and volunteer with the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento State Historic Park!

The California State Railroad Museum has a variety of volunteer opportunities that you can participate in! Whatever your skillset, there are many ways for you to be an active and vital member of the California State Railroad Museum Volunteer community.

Volunteers are able to assist with:

Museum Docent

Museum Docent

Interact and engage the community by explaining the exhibits and sharing railroad history and stories. With further training, one may conduct museum tours and participate in other interpretive activities.

Train Docent

Train Docent

Interact and engage passengers before, during, and after the train ride by explaining railroad history and stories while helping to ensure safety on the train. With further training, one may have the opportunity to become part of the engine crew.

School Program

School Program

Share the rich history of the Transcontinental Railroad with eager young learners in a fast paced and interactive environment. (More info below!)

Maintenance of Way

Maintenance of Way

Maintain and build track and switches and manage track right of way vegetation control.

Car Department

Car Department

Provide passenger train car inspections, minor maintenance, and maintaining the appearance of train equipment.

Signals Department

Signals Department

Volunteers inspect, maintain, and install Grade Crossing Warning Systems and track wayside information systems.

Robot on the Rails

Robot on the Rails

Help someone visit the Museum, even if they cannot physically get here! Visitors drive a robot around the Museum and volunteers help make sure their visit goes smoothly.

Activity Carts

Activity Carts

Engage with visitors through simple hands-on activities that help bring the stories and objects in the Museum to life!

Story Time

Story Time

Engage with toddlers and preschoolers by bringing railroad-themed books to life! Volunteers are enthusiastic readers and also oversee simple activities.

Polar Express

Polar Express

Volunteer for this special event train in the evenings of November and December. Help the holidays come alive!

How to Become a Volunteer

The process to become a volunteer begins with applying, followed-up by an interview and background check.

After successfully passing both, the next steps are:

  • Viewing a short series of videos online (at your own schedule).
  • Attending a 3-hour, in-person orientation at the museum (takes place monthly).
  • Any required training for the type of volunteering you are interested in (training schedule may vary).

How to Apply

Please go to the Volunteer Portal and create an account with MyImpactPage.com.

Follow the instructions to fill out a volunteer profile, and then complete and submit your application.

You will be contacted within a couple of weeks from submitting your application for your interview.

If you have any questions, contact CSRM's Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or (916) 445-0269.

Volunteer Portal

School Program Volunteers

Are you passionate about educating and inspiring young minds?

The Museum is looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team as Field Trip Volunteers for 4th and 5th-grade students. As a Field Trip Volunteer, you will have the chance to share the rich history of the Transcontinental Railroad with eager young learners in a fast paced and interactive environment.

You should be available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursday mornings in March, April, and May. While experience working with children is preferred, we also offer training on interpreting to children.

If you have a passion for education and can commit your time to inspire young students, we want to hear from you!

Things to Know

What does museum docent training look like?

Museum Docent training consists of online training videos, one classroom session, and shadowing and volunteering alongside other museum docents. Docents in training pair up with a mentor and complete training at their own pace.

How much time are volunteers required to volunteer?

The length of each shift varies depending on the type of volunteer opportunity. Shifts range from 3-8 hours.

The schedule of your shifts also depends on the type of volunteering. Some volunteer programs have very flexible shift choices, while others are more structured or limited. Some are year-round, while others are seasonal. We can help you find the right fit for your schedule.

The annual minimum hour requirement to maintain active volunteer status is 84 hours. Benefits offered to volunteers contributing 84+ hours annually include State Parks passes and Museum Membership.

If you have any questions, contact CSRM's Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or (916) 445-0269.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no fee. However, volunteers must provide or purchase uniforms.
When working with the public: Yes. Most positions require a uniform of white shirt/blouse and dark pants or an approved historic costume. Behind-the-scenes volunteer positions may have other requirements for clothing, such as those for safety.
A docent at the California State Railroad Museum works directly with the public to educate and entertain visitors with history. Docents explain selected aspects of railroad history and railroading. Docents may also elect to receive specialized training for certain programs.
Everyone is welcome to volunteer! Docents are provided with rigorous and enriching course of study and training. There are other opportunities, such as school programs or activity carts, that are great ways to get involved with shorter training sessions.
The Museum is open seven days a week, every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Different programs operate throughout the year giving volunteers plenty of options to fit their schedule.
We have plenty of options to chose from if public speaking isn't your preferred choice! There is railroad track crew for Signals or Maintenance of Way. Also, our docent training is designed to help give volunteers the tools you need to talk with our visitors. Most docents will engage with individuals or small groups.
The minimum age is 16, with a guardian present. Guardian must be present during training and during scheduled volunteer hours.
Please reach out to CSRM's Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] or (916) 445-0269! They are very helpful and can answer your questions or help find the right volunteer opportunity for you at CSRM.
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