News Releases Call Out for Railroad Museum Volunteers Sign Ups Open Now for Spring Volunteer Class At America's Most Popular Railroad Museum SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park (SHP) are now recruiting men and women interested in volunteering, beginning this spring, to help communicate the West's fascinating heritage of railroading and the California Gold Rush. Volunteer orientation and training will begin on Saturday, February 19, but interested volunteers must apply and be interviewed in advance. Volunteer applications are being accepted now through Friday, January 21, and community members are encouraged to get involved in this worthwhile program. Anyone who has ever visited the California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento SHP has undoubtedly crossed paths with a docent. Dressed in railroad garb or other period attire, these trained volunteers answer questions and discuss history with guests. There are many other volunteers, too. Each year, approximately 500 men and women volunteer for the California State Railroad Museum's programs-including weekend steam train operations, track construction, restoration and maintenance, even clerical work. Since the Museum's 1976 inception, volunteers have contributed well over two million hours of service. As part of their training, candidates are encouraged to consider participating in one or more Museum programs. For example, volunteers may choose to serve as docents and Museum tour guides; participate in hands-on, interactive educational programs for school groups; become involved with train operations on the Sacramento Southern Railroad; or orient visitors at Old Sacramento State Historic Park's historic Eagle Theatre and Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store. Volunteer training represents a serious commitment as a minimum of 84 volunteer hours is required each year for active volunteers. However, the hours are flexible and the rewards can be tremendous. A background in history is not required. In fact, most of the volunteers began with little knowledge of railroads or the Gold Rush. As they become more familiar with the Museum's varied and frequent programs, many volunteers take on additional responsibilities, such as conducting research or giving talks to community organizations about the Museum. Perks for active volunteers include free parking while on duty, invitation to an annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet, complimentary Museum membership and the chance to meet new and interesting people. To find out more about the training program, interested volunteers are encouraged to visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org (click on "Volunteers") or contact the Museum's Volunteer Training Coordinator at (916) 324-7593. About the California State Railroad Museum Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the non-profit California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Widely regarded as North America's finest and most popular railroad museum, the complex of facilities includes the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum plus the reconstructed Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station and Freight Depot, 1849 Eagle Theatre, and Big Four and Dingley Spice Mill commercial buildings in Old Sacramento. For 24-hour information, visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645. * * * Volunteer Opportunities Abound At Sutter's Fort This Spring Applications Being Accepted Now -- Deadline to Apply is January 21 SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Sutter's Fort State Historic Park (SHP) is now recruiting adults (18 or older) who are interested in volunteering this spring to help relate the compelling stories of California's Western heritage and demonstrate some of the hands-on activities to the delight of Fort visitors. The volunteer orientation will begin on Saturday, February 19, but interested volunteers must apply and be interviewed in advance. Volunteer applications are being accepted now through Friday, January 21, and involved community members are encouraged to get involved in this worthwhile program. Currently, Sutter's Fort SHP is looking to fill 25 volunteer positions for this year. As part of their training, candidates are encouraged to consider participating in one or more hands-on Fort activities. For example, volunteers may choose to serve as docents while presenting the events and times of the mid-1800s, John Sutter and his New Helvetia settlement to Fort visitors or may decide on a supporting role behind-the-scenes of the historic site. Either way, becoming a a volunteer at Sutter's Fort SHP is both interesting and rewarding and does not require a background in California history. Volunteer training represents a serious commitment of 84 volunteer hours annually, but the hours are flexible and the rewards can be tremendous. Benefits for active volunteers include an invitation to an annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet, complimentary Fort membership and the chance to meet new and interesting people on a daily basis. To download an application, interested volunteers are encouraged to visit www.parks.ca.gov/CapitalDistrict or call (916) 324-0040 for more information. About Sutter's Fort State Historic Park Operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the nonprofit Friends of Sutter's Fort, Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in midtown Sacramento on L Street between 26th and 28th Streets, the Fort offers special events, Living History and Demonstration Days programs throughout the year. Established in 1839 by Swiss immigrant John Augustus Sutter, Sutter's Fort was at the center of a flourishing agricultural empire named New Helvetia (New Switzerland.) This empire established Sacramento's earliest settlement and the first European settlement in California's Central Valley. For more information, call (916) 445-4422 or visit www.suttersfort.org * * * Calendar Announcements What: California State Railroad Museum - Volunteer Applications Accepted Now Where: California State Railroad Museum Old Sacramento State Historic Park When: Volunteer applications are due January 21 Orientation and volunteer training begins on February 19 and continues through March 16 Cost: Free For More: 916-324-7593 or www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org Suggested copy: If helping to communicate the fascinating history of the West, the Gold Rush and the important heritage of railroading is of interest to you, consider becoming a California State Railroad Museum or Old Sacramento State Historic Park volunteer! Applications are being accepted now for volunteer positions this spring. A background in history is not required, just a commitment and willingness to participate in this worthwhile experience. An example of the variety of programs available for trained volunteers include serving as docents or Museum tour guides, participating in hands-on, interactive educational programs for school groups, orienting visitors at Old Sacramento State Historic Park's Eagle Theatre and Huntington Hopkins store, helping with weekend steam train operations, track construction restoration and maintenance, or even conducting much needed clerical work. For more, call 916-324-7593 or visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org * * * What: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park Volunteer Applications Accepted Now Where: Sutter's Fort State Historic Park 2701 L Street, Midtown, Sacramento When: Volunteer applications are due January 21 Orientation and volunteer training begins on February 19 Cost: Free For More: 916-324-0040 or www.parks.ca.gov/CapitalDistrict Suggested copy: If you are passionate about California's fascinating history and would enjoy sharing and demonstrating the compelling stories from the mid-1800s, consider becoming a volunteer at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park! Applications are now being accepted for volunteer positions this spring and comprehensive training is provided. A background in California history is not required and a variety of positions are currently available. For instance, you might choose to serve as a docent -- dressed in period attire of course -- to present the events and times of the John Sutter and his New Helvetia settlement. Or, you might choose a role behind-the-scenes at the historic site. Either way, you're encouraged to get involved in this worthwhile volunteer effort. To download a volunteer application, go to www.parks.ca.gov/CapitalDistrict or call 916-324-0040 for more information. Traci Rockefeller Cusack T-Rock Communications 916-213-4373