Where Kentucky's Railroad History Comes Alive
Ride the Rails
Relive the History
JOIN THE CREW · VERSAILLES, KENTUCKY
Volunteer with Us
This is your chance. Take a hands-on training class and become an operating crew member on the Bluegrass Railroad — one of the most rewarding volunteer roles in Kentucky.
BE PART OF THE CREW
Have You Ever Wondered What It's Like to Work on a Real Railroad?
The Bluegrass Railroad Museum is operated entirely by volunteers — passionate railroaders, history enthusiasts, and community members who keep these locomotives running and the trains rolling every weekend from April through December.
Becoming a train crew member is one of the most hands-on, rewarding volunteer experiences you'll find anywhere in Kentucky. You'll learn the real rules of railroad operations, work alongside experienced engineers and conductors, and play a genuine role in bringing passengers safely through the Bluegrass countryside.
CREW TRAINING CLASS
What You'll Learn
Two training classes are held annually, in late February and early March. Attend at least one to become eligible for train crew duty. Those who successfully complete the class receive a Certificate of Completion and are promoted to Student Brakeman.
The training class covers everything you need to operate safely and confidently as a member of the Bluegrass Railroad crew. The classroom portion is held at the Woodford County Extension Office, followed by hands-on outdoor activities — rain or shine.
01 History of the Bluegrass Railroad Museum — where we came from and where we're going
02 Railroad Safety — the rules that keep crew and passengers safe on every run
03 Train Operations — rules, signaling, train orders, and dispatching procedures
04 Air brakes and the technology behind fail-safe railroad braking systems
05 Diesel Locomotive Basics — how our engines work and what to watch for
06 Duties and Responsibilities of train crew members — what's expected of you on duty
07 All volunteer opportunities at the Bluegrass Railroad Museum — beyond the train crew
CLASS DETAILS
Schedule: 2 classes annually
Dates: Late February & Early March
Start Time: 8:00 AM sharp
End Time: No later than 12:00 PM
Location: Woodford County ExtensionOffice
Training Fee: $5 per student
Meal Served after class · $5 suggested donation
Age Requirement: 18+ for outdoor activities
Attire: Dress for weather — outdoor activities run rain or shine
Liability: Release Required for all outdoor participants
Attendance Requirement
To serve as part of the train crew, you must attend at least 1 of the 2 annual training classes. Both classes cover the same curriculum — you only need to complete 1 to qualify. We encourage attending both if your schedule allows.
Certificate of Completion
Those who successfully complete the class will receive a Certificate of Completion and be promoted to Student Brakeman — the first step on the path to becoming a full operating crew member of the Bluegrass Railroad.
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
There's a Role for Everyone
Train crew is just one way to get involved. The museum runs entirely on volunteer effort — and there's meaningful work for every skill set and schedule.
Train Crew
Member
Work as a brakeman, conductor, or flagman on weekend excursion trains. After completing the training class and accumulating field experience, advance to Engineer. The most hands-on volunteer role at the museum.
REQUIRES TRAINING CLASS
Restoration & Maintenance
Work alongside our skilled volunteer crew maintaining and restoring historic locomotives, coaches, cabooses, and freight cars. Skills in mechanics, welding, painting, or carpentry are a plus — but enthusiasm counts too.
ALL SKILL LEVELS
Station &
Guest Services
Greet and assist passengers at the Versailles station, help with boarding, answer visitor questions, and staff the gift shop. The friendly face of the Bluegrass Railroad Museum — perfect for people persons.
WEEKENDS · APRIL - DECEMBER
Education
Programs
Help lead school group tours, staff the telegraph station and interactive exhibits, and share the history of Kentucky's railroads with students of all ages. Training provided for education volunteers.
WEEKDAYS & WEEKENDS
Photography & Documentation
Document restoration progress, photograph excursion trains in the field, and contribute to the museum's growing digital archive. Photography volunteers help preserve the museum's history for future generations.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Administration
& Events
Support the board with administrative tasks, event coordination, marketing, social media, grant writing, and membership management. If you have professional skills to contribute, the museum can use them.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Requirements & What to Know
The Bluegrass Railroad is a working railroad — and we take safety seriously. Here's what you need to know before joining the crew.
Complete the Training Class
All train crew members must attend at least one of the two annual training classes held in late February and early March before serving on duty.
Age 18 or Over for Outdoor Activities
Participants in the hands-on outdoor portion of the training and all train crew duties must be 18 years of age or older.
Sign a Liability Release
All participants in outdoor training activities and active crew members are required to sign a liability release form prior to participation.
Hold a Museum Membership
Railroad membership is required for all train crew members. Membership starts at $35/year and includes free rides on all regular excursions, early access to special event tickets, and a subscription to our newsletter. Contact us for membership information →
Dress Appropriately for the Work
Outdoor training activities and crew duties take place rain or shine. Closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a can-do attitude are essential.