Membership
 
By becoming a member, you'll receive a free subscription to The Railway Express, the SMRS quarterly newsletter, and updates on the progress of restoration projects and developments within the organization, as well as the ability to ride the train during the summer.  Regular and adult Family members have voting privileges in the Society.

Click to print a copy of our membership form.

Sponsor (individuals, corporations and other organizations) - $55

Family (one adult and related children or two related adults) - $45

Regular (18 years and older) - $25

Associate (16-17 years old) - $20

Membership begins on the 1st of the month following receipt of dues, with annual renewal dates of January for those who join October through March and June for those who join April through September.  There is a 30 day grace period for renewal.

Your Membership can Make a Difference by Volunteering
 
As an all volunteer operation, the Southern Michigan Railroad provides a broad range of opportunities in which to volunteer. Whether you're a train enthusiast, a railroad history buff, or you're wanting to learn firsthand what railroading is all about, SMRS matches volunteers' interests and skills with the Museum's needs. Some of our volunteer positions available include:

Ticket Agents / Gift Shop Sales - Greet visitors, sell tickets, and help in our gift shop on scheduled train days with sales and general information.

Train Crew - Ride the train, check tickets and converse with passengers as a Conductor. Learn to flag the train through intersections, brake the train, or become a licensed engineer.

Track Crew - Maintain the right-of-way, replace ties, signals or crossings, and control brush and weed growth. Learn to inspect the rail and bridges for safe train operations.

Restoration - Help refurbish and restore locomotives, passenger cars and cabooses to use in train service or static displays.

General Maintenance - Keep our yard, station, trains, buildings, and right-of-way clean and repaired.

Museum Docents - Assist the Curator with school programs and events, for charter excursions. Research historical events, building, and equipment used on the Clinton Branch.


Flexible Scheduling & Tax Deductible!

Volunteers primarily work on the weekends; however, there is also weekday tours requiring train crews, or restoration, mechanical, and museum work that volunteers can also do during the week.  Some train crew positions require minimum hours, number of trips, or days worked to maintain certification or move to other train crew positions.

The IRS 501(c)(3) non profit organization guidelines allow membership dues, donations of money or materials, and vehicle mileage traveling to and from the museum for volunteer duties.