Volunteer and Serve
The North Carolina Railway Museum and New Hope Valley Railway are 100% operated by member volunteers. There are opportunities for people with all kinds of backgrounds and skill sets to help. In addition to crews who operate and maintain the train we can always use artists, carpenters, curators, docents, researchers, gardeners, storytellers, attorneys, accountants and shopkeepers (just to name a few) to keep the Triangle’s Train operating smoothly. Check out the poster link for details, WANTED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FINAL REV FEB 2024. We have volunteers who are dedicated to the Garden Railway, Museum and education aspects, facilities and infrastructure, as well as the administration and marketing. Don’t have any of these skills but want to learn? Sometimes a friendly hand is all that is needed and we encourage members to shadow other members to learn new skills. As you work to maintain and improve the NCRM and NHVR with fellow volunteers, you have the opportunity to share stories and learn about the history and heritage of the railroad.
The North Carolina Railway Museum does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, customers, visitors, and our community at large. Volunteers are required to have a minimum of 18 years of age and have applied for membership to the NC Railway Museum. Work sessions are held at Bonsal every Wednesday, Saturday (and most Sundays) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with seasonal adjustments) all year round. There is always plenty of work, camaraderie and fun to be had.
To apply, you can complete our on-line membership application using the link immediately below (except Youth Membership, age 14-17 which still must complete a paper application due to the need for parental permission). The on-line application https://northcarolinarailwaymuseuminc.wildapricot.org/Join-us/, will give you an option to pay your first-year dues by credit card or to mail a check to our mailing address via USPS. Or you may instead apply by filling out the paper application form, NCRM Membership Application and mail it with your dues check to the address shown on the application form (NCRM Membership Chair, PO Box 40, New Hill, NC 27562)
For additional information concerning membership and organization governance, please see the links below to our Bylaws and Policy Manual
NCRM Bylaws
NCRM Policy Handbook
In 2018 – NCRM approved a plan for “Youth Rail Crew” members – with the aim of getting youth involved safely with our passion for trains and learning and teaching the history railroads made locally, regionally, and globally. If you are a youth in the applicable age range, with accompanying parental permission you may apply to join the Youth Rail Crew.
NCRM Youth Member Application
NCRM Youth Rail Crew Charter (aka Constitution)