Volunteer Docents

Docents have a big role to play!

Docents are often the public face of the museum that visitors interact with most. It’s a fun, social assignment where you get to help bring the Museum alive through sharing the history and stories of the American Railroading and the impact it’s had on American Society.

Responsibilities:

• Staff the information desks and assist guests by answering questions about the collection, Museum programs, operating hours, and other frequently asked questions
• Give public tours as assigned during shift
• Give tours to private tour groups (schedule fluctuates)
• Car Host (assist visitors on the train rides)
• Help keep the Roundhouse and North Car Shop orderly – restock brochures, keep information desks tidy (inside and out), ensure stanchions in place
• Ensure that the Museum objects are handled appropriately (not climbed on, touched, etc), per the Museum policies
• Help ensure safety of Museum guests by following safety response procedures & protocol

Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal skills  
• Strong customer service skills – ability to: provide warm welcome to visitors, help visitors locate answers and resources, anticipate visitors need, provide thoughtful recommendations and information, and be a positive face of the B&O Railroad Museum
• Strong public speaking skills 
• Ability to follow and sometimes gently enforce Museum policies, including safety policies and Care of the Collection policies
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to quickly learn and retain new information
• Enthusiastic about historic preservation and interpretation
• Positive and professional working demeanor
• Enjoy working with other and interacting with the public
• Proactive in problem solving and solution finding  
• Love of and prior knowledge of railroading history is a plus

Please fill out an application at the link below, and our Education Department will reach out to all qualified candidates for an interview.

Adult Volunteering

Volunteers assist in every department of the Museum and we regularly recruit volunteers for a wide variety of assignments, ranging from the Archives to Train Conductors.

Special Events Volunteering

Interested in volunteering but not able to make a long-term commitment? We still need you!

Group Service Projects

There is strength in numbers, and we could always use a few extra hands. 

Youth Volunteering

We love our youth volunteers and are looking for motivated, positive, responsible individuals aged 16+ to help us at the museum.

Volunteer FAQ

Volunteer at THE POLAR EXPRESS™

November & December 2025: The B&O Railroad Museum is looking for volunteers to help with our annual, super fun, super festive event, The Polar Express!

Volunteer Train Conductors

Volunteer Train Conductors are critical to the operation of the Mile One Express maintenance and train rides.

Current Volunteers

Please see here for access to Volunteer portal.