PRESERVE HISTORIC TRAINS AND RAILROADS

Historic trains and railroads are in danger of disappearing from the landscape.

Many railroad tracks and train stations have already faded into disuse and disrepair, replaced by roads, interstate highways, air travel and faster, cheaper modern shipping methods. Federal railroad funding is threatened. Unless railroad museums find a way to keep railroad history alive, the very train tracks that helped build the country will be over-run by modern abuses or completely destroyed.

Historic trains and railroads are the last vestiges of an era of industrial growth, of rapid expansion and equally industrious nation building. They were America's trade, travel, and communication infrastructures all rolled into one. With each stop on the line came the opportunity for bustling life and growth. Train stations and roundhouses were hubs of activity, serving as outposts for trading goods, centers of employment and the toehold in the wilderness that thriving townships were built upon.

Railroad history is a nation's history; preserving historic trains and railroads for future generations is paramount to understanding the past.

A revitalized section of railroad track and its trains and buildings provides a living, moving, breathing format for education. It demonstrates history in a way that can be touched and explored first-hand. There is still something about train travel that captures the attention of young and old alike, sending them flocking to nostalgic discussion forums. Maintaining historic railroads and railroad museums links today with yesterday, and preserves both the romance of train travel and the symbol of the industry of humankind for the future.

Today, historic train stations, roundhouses, and even train tracks can again support their communities as viable tourist attractions. But volunteers are needed to support railroad museums in their struggles to survive. Interactive and educational railroad museums can be created from the husks of decaying train cars and the ruins of once busy train stations and roundhouses. All it takes is the elbow-grease and devotion of volunteers who share a passion for trains and their history.

Some organizations welcome volunteers year-round while others schedule special volunteering events for specific projects. Some railroad museums require signing up for membership, in return for training in the tasks that interest you.

Railroad museums such as the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento, California and the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin are always looking for help, and will embrace volunteers who wish to come on board as docents and those whose time is limited and want to devote it to a specific project.

Friends of the East Broad Top offers opportunities to join their Rockhill and Robertsdale crews. Both crews work on specific weekend schedules; but once you are a member, you can join in anytime.

For volunteer vacations elsewhere in the United States, The National Railway Historical Society provides a directory of chapters that can lead you to volunteer opportunities in your area, or local to an area you plan to visit on vacation.

For a more exotic vacation, look into volunteer opportunities in other countries. For instance, the Ffestiniog Railway in the United Kingdom has a long and productive history with volunteers, and welcomes help from around the globe. Their comprehensive website also provides links to local lodging available for those who want to dedicate days and weeks in a row to the rewards of being a part of bringing history to life.

Volunteer tasks abound, from selling tickets to doing paperwork, and from refurbishing carriages to landscaping around the museum grounds. It's just a matter of identifying a railroad that inspires you and finding out what you can do to help.

Train museums always need help maintaining and repairing exhibits, and are grateful to the volunteers who make survival possible without incurring expenses and paying salaries they can't afford. They will train you to do what is needed to make a difference.

Always contact the museum or organization ahead of time so that they know you are coming. That way can make the best use of your time, their time, and your skills.