The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is a private, non-profit organization which depends on donations - in the forms of money, parts and equipment and most especially, the time and talents of our volunteers. There are many large and small jobs around the car barn just waiting for someone to step in and fill the need. Any time you give is greatly appreciated.

Download volunteer application (PDF)
Become a member of the Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association, and receive the quarterly newsletter.

The museum has an ever-changing wish list of things that are necessary for restoration of the trolley cars and maintenance of the building and grounds. We'll try to keep it up-to-date here!

Equipment Needs
backhoe

Volunteer Needs
This is a partial list of volunteer requirements at the Museum. The list could go on and on but space will not allow it. If you have desire to participate at the museum - whether the task you want to perform is on the list or not - you may contact the museum by visiting 100 South 4th Street or calling the museum at 479-783-0205; Bradley Martin at 479-650-5456; or Art Martin at 479-783-1237.

1. Streetcar Operators - We will train you.  Most operate ½ day a week.  Some are on the extra board and fill in when regular operator is out.
2. General Housekeeping - Like any other building, the museum needs general cleaning to keep the bathrooms and other areas attractive to visitors.
3. Landscaping and Grounds - Planting and maintaining flower beds, mowing grass, spraying weeds and feeding plants. When properly cared for, these add big impact to the museum's visual appeal.
4. Track building and maintainence  - (Learn to be a gandy dancer!) The trolley route has lengthened gradually over the years, and there are plans in the works for future extensions.
5. Woodworkers & Machinists -  The museum has an excellent wood and metal shop with all the necessary tools and supplies.  Wood/metal working is needed for streetcar restoration as well as other projects.
6. Welders - Again, the museum has all the necessary tools and supplies. We fabricate and rebuild parts for the streetcar, and build all our overhead line poles along with some brackets.
7. General Carpentry, Electrical and Plumbing skills are always needed, not only for car restoration but also for improving our buildings and other structures.
8. Sales – The Fort Smith Trolley Museum offers local advertising inside the streetcar on reproduction "car cards". Most advertisers repeat from year to year, but new clients are needed.
9. Fundraising - The Museum also needs someone to research and write grants to foundations, in order to help finance projects.
10. Birthday Party Organizer - The Museum is beginning to offer party packages in addition to leasing out the dining car for get-togethers. We need someone to oversee the arrangements and coordinate hosts/hostesses for the parties.
11. Archivist – the museum has a growing collection of books and artifacts that need maintaining and cataloging.
12. Project Heads -- The museum's historical transportation holdings are not limited to streetcars. There are four buses, a 1932 Fort Smith Fire Department pumper truck, a Model TT produce truck, plus locomotives and maintenance-of-way vehicles that could be restored.
13. Engine Mechanics -  The museum also has a collection of antique gas engines that must be restored and/or maintained.
14. Friendly smiling faces to greet our many visitors.

Museum Display and Research Items
Pictures, articles or stories about any former employee of Fort Smith Light & Traction

Fort Smith Trolley Museum
100 South 4th Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901
(479) 783-0205
info@fstm.org

Owned and Operated By:
Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association, Inc.
2121 Wolfe Lane
Fort Smith, AR 72901