Membership


Join Our Volunteer Team!

The North Carolina Railway Museum and New Hope Valley Railway are powered entirely by passionate volunteers. Whatever your background, interests, or skills, there’s a place for you here!

In addition to train operations and maintenance, we welcome artists, carpenters, curators, docents, researchers, gardeners, storytellers, attorneys, accountants, shopkeepers, and many others to help keep the Triangle’s Train running strong.

Our volunteers contribute to every aspect of the museum— from the Garden Railway and exhibits to education programs, facilities, infrastructure, administration, and marketing. No prior experience is necessary! A friendly hand and willingness to learn are all you need. New members are encouraged to shadow others, pick up new skills, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of a close-knit team.

While you give your time, you’ll make lasting friendships, share stories, and help preserve North Carolina’s rich railroad heritage.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment. The North Carolina Railway Museum does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and members of the Museum. (Youth Memberships, ages 14–17, require a paper application and parental permission.)


How to get started:

The first step to becoming a volunteer is to become a Museum member—it’s quick, easy, and can be done entirely online.


How to Apply:

What are the benefits of Museum membership? 

All membership levels—Senior, Student, Adult, Family, Silver Meteor, and Lifetime—include free train rides for the member and one accompanying guest on a space-available basis during our regular season rides (excluding Hop into Spring, Halloween, and Santa rides). Additional guests are welcome to purchase tickets at regular prices.

Silver Meteor Membership ($100)
Silver Meteor members enjoy all standard benefits plus their choice of one of the following:

  • A family four-pack of tickets to either the Halloween or Santa rides, a cab visit before or after the ride, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Garden Railway
    OR

  • A one-year membership to the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS)

Lifetime Membership
Lifetime Members receive all regular member benefits plus:

  • A 10% discount in the Gift Shop 

  • The choice of one OAL or one family caboose ride on any train ride (including special events), scheduled in advance. This exclusive ride may be redeemed once during your lifetime membership.

Additional Member Benefits
All members—of every category—are invited to attend the Annual Member Banquet each January. Details for the January 2026 banquet will be shared in an upcoming issue of The Telegrapher as the date approaches.

For complete details, please see the Membership Dues and Benefits Policy in our NCRM Policy Handbook

Youth Rail Crew

In 2018, the North Carolina Railway Museum launched the Youth Rail Crew program to encourage young people to get involved safely in our shared passion for trains—while learning and helping to teach the history of railroads locally, regionally, and around the world.

If you’re within the eligible age range, you can apply to join the Youth Rail Crew with parental permission.

NCRM Youth Member Application
NCRM Youth Rail Crew Charter (aka Constitution)


Work Sessions

Once you are a member, join us for our regular volunteer work sessions, held at the Museum every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weather permitting). Additional sessions are occasionally scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays, depending on project needs.

On train operating days, we also rely on many volunteers to keep things running smoothly—from train crews to support teams handling parking, ticket sales, the Garden Railway, the gift shop, docent duties, and much more.

There’s always plenty of work to do—and even more camaraderie and fun to share!