SHELBURNE FALLS — Fulfill your childhood dreams of driving a trolley or being a conductor: The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum is seeking volunteers — including prospective trolley drivers or conductors — willing to work during some of the museum’s hours of operation this season.
“We need motormen and conductors on weekends during our operating season, Memorial Day weekend and until the end of October,” said Alden Dreyer, the museum’s safety and instruction supervisor. He is also the crew dispatcher. “Our day is split in half, so you can be with us for 3½ hours or seven hours, as you wish. The conductor is in charge of the car and responsible for passenger safety at all times. The motorman operates the car in a safe and careful manner. Conductors give a five-minute talk at the end of the line on the history of trolley operations and must be prepared to answer various questions.”
Museum visitors ride No. 10, the original Shelburne Falls and Colrain Street Railway car that carried freight and passengers from 1896 to 1927 over the concrete bridge now known as the Bridge of Flowers.
The trolley car and museum are now set up in Buckland’s old rail yard, with access off Depot Street. The all-volunteer crew helps guests take a 15-minute ride back in time on the trolley, which was restored in 1999. There are also volunteer positions for ticket agent, painting, carpentry and grounds maintenance. Even if you only have a couple hours each month to offer, the museum can find you a spot.
The museum holds its annual Training Day on May 19, beginning at 10 a.m. The training includes hands-on and classroom training for all trolley and pump car volunteers. The day is geared for re-qualifying returning crew members, but new volunteers should attend as well. Training Day will cover safety issues and proper operation of car No. 10 and the pump car. There will also be discussion of passenger care and how to tell the story of the little trolley.
Although women were not trolley crew members during the railway’s heyday, several women are now trolley operators and conductors. For more information, go online to: www.sftm.org or call Sam Bartlett at 413-624-0192. Lunch will be provided for those attending the training session. Send an email to: trolley@sftm.org and put “SFTM” in the subject line if you plan to attend. Give your name and a brief message about yourself and your interests.