RailPark volunteers

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The Historic Railpark and Train Museum at 401 Kentucky Street is looking for volunteers who enjoy working with visitors from Kentucky and around the world, and we have many areas in which to volunteer. Volunteers are the backbone of the museum in restoration efforts and as docents. Our docent/tour guide volunteers share their knowledge of railroads along with the local history of Bowling Green as a vital link while they lead visitors of all ages through the five rail cars we currently have available for touring. This is a great opportunity to be a part of local history, preservation and education. Visit our website to learn more about the depot and Museum http://historicrailpark.com/ and about volunteering at http://historicrailpark.com/docents/ .

We prefer volunteers to work three hour time slots, but are happy to work with anyone interested in helping us share the depot. A typical shift would be 10am until 1pm and 1pm until 4pm. We also have positions for substitutes who can work occasionally, and spots during special events such as the Polar Express. Some tour guides choose to work with school groups along with adult bus tours. We have themed tours and summer camps, plus opportunities for special exhibits, programs and presentations including the All Aboard series. Those who like to work with their hands may be interested in working on the restoration and maintenance of our rail cars or the model train layout. If you would like to be part of the Restoration Committee, please contact Chairman Pat O’Rourke at orourkep@bellsouth.net. Students who have to fulfill community service requirements can volunteer doing clerical, marketing, special events and some labor intensive duties. All training will be provided. Docents receive one-on-one training and an annual formal classroom experience on tour techniques, safety and emergency procedures.

We are looking for people who are flexible, enthusiastic and have an attitude of respect to interact with diverse visitors, and who have excellent interpersonal and oral communications skills. Docents need to be self-motivated and able "think on one’s feet" while working with minimal supervision. Some of the duties of a docent include welcoming and introducing visitors to the Historic Railpark and Train Museum, provide guided tours of the railcars, and answer any questions and provide assistance with the self-guided museum tours. Volunteers also help to maintain the security of the collection and the railcars during tours, and always represent the Historic Railpark and Train Museum in a professional and courteous manner.

Volunteer hours May through September are Monday through Saturday from 10am until 4pm and Sunday from 1 to 4pm. The Museum is closed on Monday from during the fall and winter months of October through April.

If you are interested in railroads, history, education and working with the public, this exciting opportunity is just for you! Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie G. Smith at 270-745-7317 memberships@historicrailpark.com or Executive Director Jamie Johnson at director@historicrailpark.com . Please feel free to visit the Museum.

Volunteer Divisions

Education and Programming
Education - Interpret railcars for visitors through guided tours, class programs and off-site educational programs. This may include greeting, working as a tour guide, or even storytelling.

Programming - Presenting programs such as at the monthly All Aboard series.
Publicity - Represent museum at off-site events and through speaking engagements.
Summer Camp - Assist with camp activities hosted by the museum.
Administrative - Provide support to administrative staff in various office-related duties.
Collections/Exhibits - Assist in the preservation and restoration of the museum's collection, design, construction and upkeep of museum exhibits.
Gift Shop - Greet visitors, design displays or research new items.

Maintenance and Restoration
Restoration - Assist in cosmetically and/or mechanically restoring rail cars.
Maintenance - Perform needed maintenance, repairs and regular care and cleaning of the locomotive, coaches, and caboose used in our on-site exhibit. Maintain mini train for parades and during certain special events.

Hospital car - More information regarding the progress on this worthwhile restoration project can be found at our webpage.

Special Events
Special Events - Assist with public events hosted by the museum, including Brunch with the Bunny, Haunted Train Tours, and the Polar Express.
Theme Tours - Interpret railcars for visitors through themed guided tours, class programs and off-site educational programs. This may include greeting, working as a tour guide, teaching a special topic, or even storytelling.
Outreach - Drive mini train for parades and during certain special events to represent the museum.