Volunteer Program

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park has a dynamic team of volunteers that support the park. Multiple programs exist to address the various needs of the park. Volunteers may get involved in one of more of these programs.

Interpretive Program

Railtown preserves one of the last remaining original Steam locomotive maintenance shop complexes in North America; a phrase often said is, "it's like they all went to lunch and left everything here!" What makes Railtown unique is the opportunity visitors have to see what a real railroad shop complex was like around the turn of the 20th Century, interpreted by our knowledgeable volunteers. A wide range of positions exist for volunteers to explain the rich history of the Sierra Railway and the Jamestown Shops, including Greeters, Tour Guides, Car Hosts, Roundhouse Hosts, and more!

Maintenance and Restoration Program

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park features a large collection of historic structures and equipment dating back fifty to 100 years or more. Needless to say, all of this requires a lot of upkeep, which is where our Maintenance and Restoration Volunteers come in! This program provides hands on opportunities to both learn and employ the various trade skills needed to maintain an historic railroad shop complex. Tasks range from various carpentry projects involving grounds and building repair to constructing interpretive exhibits and displays. No experience needed, just willing helpers!

Railroad Shops

Steam locomotives and vintage rail cars require extensive care and maintenance to remain operational, and the Sierra Railway Jamestown Shops provide the perfect environment to perform this work. Everything from routine inspections to ground-up overhauls are regularly performed in the Roundhouse and Tri-Dam shop, and willing helpers are always needed, regardless of experience.

Train Operations

One of the many unique volunteer opportunities at Railtown is the ability to become a crew member aboard one of our historic trains on a real working railroad! Newcomers learn the basics of railroad safety and operations through scheduled training courses, then proceeding with field training with railroad equipment. Positions include Fire Patrol, Brakeman, Conductor, Hostler, Fireman, and Engineer.

Hotdog Sales

One of our most important volunteer programs is our Hotdog Stand, which promotes and prolongs Railtown's visitor engagement. By providing our visitors an array of food options at the park, people are more inclined to spend more time absorbing all that Railtown has to offer, making food sales one of our most valued Volunteer programs!