Work WeekendsWork WeekendsIn addition to the regular Friday/Saturday work days, the WW&F holds special three work weekends and additional Friday sessions each year. The Winter work weekend is the Saturday through Monday ending on President's Day in February. The Spring work weekend is the weekend of the last Saturday in April, and encompasses Friday through Sunday. Summer work Fridays are in July and August. The Fall work weekend is the Friday through Monday ending in Columbus Day, in October.
You do not have to be a museum member to participate on a work week/weekend. All ages and abilities are welcome - there is always something to do.
The typical pattern is track is laid in the Fall (ties, rail, and spiking the two together), and the new track is ballasted and put into service the following Spring. During the Winter weekend, the future right of way is cleared of trees and other debris. The focus of the Summer work Fridays is to maintain the current right-of-way. On any work weekend, other jobs and tasks are completed depending on crew availibity and the needs of the railroad.
Work usually begins early in the morning, between 7 and 8 AM, although people arrive at all times throughout the day. The Museum supplies its volunteers with lunch and supper on these days. (Supper is provided during the Fall/Spring weekends only.) The work ends between 5 and 6 PM.
For 2012:
The Winter work weekend will be February 18 - 20.
The Spring work weekend will be April 27 - 29.
The Summer work Fridays will be July 13 - August 31.
The Fall work weekend will be October 5 - 8.
If you can't get enough of helping the WW&F, we also invite you to come by any Saturday. There are always plenty of ways to volunteer.