Illinois Railroad Museum needs help to become America's best

The Illinois Railroad Museum in Union is the largest railroad museum in America by far, in terms of the size of the collection of railroad rolling cars. But customer reviews place the museum as about the fifth best railroad museum in the nation.

The Illinois Railroad Museum is an all-volunteer effort that has accomplished a lot in its 70 years, and now they would like to add being the "best" railroad museum in the country to its list of accomplishments.

To achieve this, they need your help.

The 126-acre museum is a small town with stores, a restaurant, libraries, museums, parks, a central pavilion, not to mention the enormous railroad facilities. They unofficially call the town East Union.

They need people to help make the town more welcoming to visitors - friendly people in the stores, greeters to the town, and tour guides.

Even musicians, gardeners, a good cook, and a host of other opportunities are available.

They can train anyone for the job they like. A time investment of even one day a month is fine. It is a volunteer group doing great work, but in the end it also has to be fun.

For more information email Brian Nigbor at bnigborirm@gmail.com.

Learn more about the Illinois Railroad Museum at www.irm.org or facebook.com/IllinoisRailwayMuseum/.

The museum's "Happy Holiday Railway" returns on Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17. Embark on a magical train ride through the winter countryside with Santa Claus himself! Treats will be served, along with a special gift for kids on Santa's "good list." Tickets are available at www.irm.org/event/happy-holiday-railway/.