Call for Volunteers!
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation is looking for volunteers to help with our annual, super fun, super festive event, The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride! The POLAR EXPRESS™ event is based on the Warner Brother’s popular animated children’s movie, The POLAR EXPRESS™. The event includes a live performance of The POLAR EXPRESS™, a magical holiday train ride, a trip to the North Pole, and beloved characters from the movie such as the Hobo and Hero Boy. Volunteers for this event help make it all happen — from the cozy and exciting holiday atmosphere to the warm and friendly visitor assistance. Come help make this holiday tradition memorable and magical for families and children.
When is the Event?
The event takes place over the course of four weekends beginning the last weekend of November.
What is the commitment?
Volunteers sign up for as many or as few shifts as they’d like. We are asking that folks commit to at least one 7-hour shift, 9am – 4pm or 1pm – 8pm, but accommodations can be made to support different schedules! Please inquire to Sam Hughes for special scheduling accommodations.
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers for this event help make it all happen – from the cozy and exciting holiday atmosphere to the warm and friendly visitor assistance. Volunteer roles include greeting guests, assisting with the train boarding, helping operate the lights for the live performance (just a switch, nothing fancy!) and the snow machine, helping with kid’s holiday craft table, and more. Volunteers are thanked with a pair of general admissions museum tickets, and beverages and light snacks are available during each of the shorter day shifts. On full operating days, volunteers are also provided a meal.
Are there any volunteer requirements?
Volunteers are required to be at least 16 years old (18 strongly preferred). Volunteers should wear a festive holiday top and non-jean pants (khaki, black pants, or something similar).
How do I sign up?
To sign up, please use the following link below. You’ll get a confirmation email and any additional details will be sent before the event.
More Volunteer Opportunities
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.
Learn more
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…
Volunteer FAQ
Volunteer Train Conductors
Volunteer Train Conductors are critical to the operation of the Mile One Express maintenance and train rides.
Volunteer Docents
Docents are often the public face of the museum that visitors interact with most. It’s a fun, social assignment where…
Adult Volunteering
Volunteers assist in every department of the Museum and we regularly recruit volunteers for a wide variety of assignments, ranging…
Learn more
Special Events Volunteering
Interested in volunteering but not able to make a long-term commitment? We still need you!
Learn more
Group Service Projects
There is strength in numbers, and we could always use a few extra hands.
Learn more
Youth Volunteering
We love our youth volunteers and are looking for motivated, positive, responsible individuals aged 16+ to help us at the…
Learn more
Volunteer FAQ
Learn more
Volunteer Train Conductors
Volunteer Train Conductors are critical to the operation of the Mile One Express maintenance and train rides.
Learn more
Volunteer Docents
Docents are often the public face of the museum that visitors interact with most. It’s a fun, social assignment where…
Learn moreCurrent Volunteers
Please see here for access to Volunteer portal.
“This was such an awesome experience! The trains inside were phenomenal and all very well kept. But we went ahead and did the train ride also and that was just icing on the cake! This is a great experience for kids, teens, and adults like myself.”
Kristina R.
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