The Southern Michigan Railroad Society is a nonprofit organization powered entirely by volunteers. Our members keep our trains rolling and provide the exciting experiences we offer throughout the year. Since our beginning in 1982, our collection has continued to grow and our train ride experiences have continued to evolve. With your help, we can continue this track of progress and improve our operation. Consider joining us in our mission to preserve railroad history!
Benefits
Membership with the Southern Michigan Railroad Society has some great benefits:
- Access to the monthly Railway Express newsletter
- Voting privileges in our election of the Board of Directors
- Access to our Members-Only Page to stay up-to-date on everything happening at the railroad
- Ability to volunteer with us
Volunteer
Members of the Southern Michigan Railroad Society have the opportunity to volunteer with us! No experience necessary, our talented volunteers will help you learn all the skills you need to make an impact on our projects.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Train Crew (Engineers, Conductors, Brakemen, Car Hosts)
- Gift Shop Staff
- Building & Grounds Maintenance
- Track Maintenance
- Event Coordination
- Equipment Maintenance & Restoration
- Mechanical Repairs
- Museum Coordination & Archiving
- And More!
Members interested in working on the train or around the track are required to attend an annual Crew Training session. This session covers the basics of railroad safety and the rules associated with working on the railroad. Training for specific roles occurs on-the-job under the supervision of one of our qualified volunteers. Our Members are committed to keeping each other safe and helping you get involved in our mission! Volunteering is a great way to meet other rail-enthusiasts and build lifelong friends.
Membership Tiers
We have a variety of Membership Tiers to suit your needs:
- Regular (Single Member, Ages 18+): $30
- Family (1 adult and related children or 2 related adults): $50
- Junior (Single Member, Ages 16-17): $25
- Sponsor (individuals, corporations, and other organizations): $60
Fill out the online Membership Application below to join the Southern Michigan Railroad Society! A traditional copy of the form can also be downloaded to be filled out and emailed to membership@southernmichiganrr.com or printed and mailed to our PO box. Applications are also available during any operating day, so stop by and fill one out!
Dues can be paid online using the form below or by mail with cash or check. Please make checks payable to the Southern Michigan Railroad Society.
Membership begins on the first day of the month, following receipt of dues. Annual Membership renewal occurs in January, with a 30-day grace period to renew and pay the annual Membership Dues. Members will be contacted by our Membership Chairperson for details about renewal.
Contact our Membership Chairperson at membership@southernmichiganrr.com with any questions regarding your Membership!