Volunteers are NORM.

The Northern Ohio Railway Museum is kept running by its volunteers. They restore equipment, maintain the grounds and railway, operate the trolleys, welcome visitors, and care for the collection.

Our volunteers range in age and experience. Young people can be an important part of that work.

The Youth Volunteer Program gives young people ages 12–18 a structured way to become part of NORM, learn about electric railway history, develop practical skills, and take on increasing responsibility.

Young volunteers are not day campers. They are NORM volunteers. They work alongside other volunteers and become part of the work that keeps the museum running.

What Do Youth Volunteers Do?

There is no single job for a youth volunteer. Opportunities depend on the museum’s current projects and each volunteer’s interests, abilities, and experience.

Youth volunteers may:

• Help with grounds and museum projects
• Assist with restoration and preservation
• Learn about historic railway equipment
• Help with operating days and special events
• Assist visitors
• Help with exhibits and educational activities
• Take on individual projects

Some jobs are exciting. Others are simply the work that needs to be done. All of it helps keep NORM running.

Learning and Advancement

Youth volunteers learn by working alongside experienced NORM volunteers. As they develop their skills, gain experience, and demonstrate their readiness, they may advance through three levels of responsibility.

Section Hand

Learn about the museum, assist with basic projects, and develop an understanding of working safely around NORM’s equipment and grounds.

Car Attendant

Take on additional responsibilities, assist during operating days, and help visitors learn about the museum and its historic equipment.

Trainman

For volunteers who meet the age, training, and qualification requirements, this level includes additional responsibilities aboard the museum’s historic cars. Trainmen may also develop and complete individual projects in areas of personal interest.

Advancement is based on age, training, safety, experience, and demonstrated ability.

Safety and Supervision

NORM works around historic railway equipment, electrical systems, tools, and tracks. Safety comes first.

Ages 12–13: A parent or adult guardian must remain on-site.

Ages 14–18: Volunteers may participate without a parent or guardian when scheduled for appropriate museum work, subject to NORM’s supervision and safety requirements.

All youth volunteers are expected to follow instructions, work safely, and treat museum equipment and property with care.

What to Wear

Youth volunteers should arrive ready to work:

• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants
• Clothing appropriate for the weather and work
• Safety glasses when required

Interested in Volunteering?

The 2026 operating season is coming to an end, so we are not currently accepting new youth volunteers for the remainder of this season.

If your child is interested in the Youth Volunteer Program, contact the Education Department and tell us their age and what interests them about NORM.

We will contact interested families in the spring as opportunities for the new season are planned.