National Capital Trolley Museum

The National Capital Trolley Museum preserves and interprets the history of electric street and interurban railways for the Nation's Capital. Ride into D.C.’s past on a piece of history and experience for yourself the transit systems that built and served communities across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia for a century (1862-1962). Enjoy exhibits and presentations at our Visitor Center, then come aboard our living collection of historic street cars for a ride down one mile of woodland track in beautiful Northwest Branch Park.

Operations

Learn to operate street cars and become a voice of transit history! The dedicated members of our Operations team begin training as museum docents — the human connection to street car history and technology, guiding visitors through their museum experience. Further training may qualify them to become Conductors, who assist the Operator during street car runs. Volunteers at least age 18 with further training and having successfully completed a qualification test will have the opportunity to become one of our street car operators. Our operations team is critical for the success of interpreting our living collection of eighteen street cars and presenting them to the public!

Maintenance + Restoration

Our amazing “shop crew” keeps our living collection of historic street cars running, restores street cars to working and cosmetic conditions, and performs essential maintenance and repair on our interpretive railway. Their behind-the-scenes work supports every experience our visitors have with street cars. Whether you have years of experience in related fields or are interested and willing to learn, if you are 14 years or older, we look forward to welcoming your assistance! Maintenance and restoration meet weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8am - 11am, but also as needed.

Education

If you enjoy working with children and families, making crafts, doing science projects, and want to help bring local and national history to our community, come join our education team! Critical thinking is at the heart of our education programs, and we welcome volunteers who would enjoy engaging with visitors through science, art, play, and conversation. Come aboard for our monthly family days (every first Saturday of the month) or volunteer to teach a classroom activity during our school programming (Thursdays and Fridays, as booked).