Membership Open House

The Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum is a non-profit organization that is operated 100% by volunteer members. As such, we are always looking to attract new members with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds. You might be surprised to know that our current members have a variety of professional experiences including  transportation, HVAC to software engineering and chemists.  Many have additional hobbies like photography, painting and sewing that can be applied.  Additionally, our organization is composed of train enthusiasts of various ages, disciplines and experience.  It takes a lot of people to have a successful organization such as ours, the only true requirement is the love of trains and the dedication to preserving our region’s history.

If this is something that you are interested in, then we invite you to come “take a peek behind the scenes” at one of our membership open houses being held on March 4th, March 18th and April 1st.  Each day will have have two, three hour sessions starting at 10am and 1pm.  Sessions will include:

  • Meet and greet
  • Overview of how we do things
  • In-depth tour of both floors of the museum
  • Class on signaling and operating a train
  • Hand operating the display.

Attendees will be assigned to a host volunteer that will be happy to discuss the museum and answer any and all question you have about the organization and membership.  All sessions are free of charge and are only available to individuals 18 and older (due to membership restrictions).  Becoming a member isn’t a required, but we hope that after learning more about our museum and the many ways that you can participate, you will part of our organization.

Sign up for a session

Additional questions:

I have an odd schedule on those days, does it have to be either 10:00 or 1:00 sessions?

No, we understand that we all have a lot going on and that we’re all volunteers and need to work in what free time we have.  When signing up for a session, please choose flexible under the session.

If I come for the early session can I stick around for the second session?

Yes and just think, if you enjoy the open house, how much would you enjoy being a member?

I really love your museum and want to be a part of it, but I don't think I have the time right now. Is there a membership option for me?

Yes!  We have a couple of non-active memberships available that allow you to contribute to the museum.  These memberships even allow you full access to our holiday show!  See our membership page for details