Donate | Support | Volunteer

How to Give

You can donate through the form below.

Support the Rail by Becoming a Member

By becoming a member of the Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust, you play an essential part in the continued restoration of rail activity on the Calais Branch Line! The DRHPT is a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

As a member, in addition to knowing that you are personally helping the preserve Maine’s railroading history, you receive regular email updates, invitations to participate in work rides and our periodic newsletter.

- $40 Patron / Basic Membership Level
- $100 Investor Membership Level
- $250 Visionary Membership Level
- $500 Sustainer Membership Level
- $1000 Founder’s Club Membership Level

Help the Line by Volunteering

You can be a part of the Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust and the Downeast Scenic Railroad Project. We know you’ve always wanted to work on the railroad! Well, you don’t have to do it all the livelong day, but your help would be very appreciated!

The Trust’s volunteers meet every Saturday at Washington Junction, rain or shine.

We hope you will join us and learn more about the Trust and the Downeast Scenic Railroad Project.

The Downeast Scenic Railroad Project is currently signing up volunteers for the coming Spring/Summer/Fall work season. Projects include rail rehabilitation, grade crossing rebuild, passenger car repairs, interior, and exterior, as well as the day to day administrative functions needed to keep the project moving forward. WE NEED YOUR HELP, no experience necessary, just a desire to help preserve our Maine railroad heritage and a willingness to learn, it’s fun too!

If any of these interest you and you would like to help this project send us an e-mail using our contact form.

This summers work days will be similar to last year’s. As we move forward we are continuing work that will require more specific duties and skills. We will, of course, be clearing the line, cleaning culverts and crossings, but with the work we have laid out for this summer, we will need to assign volunteers to certain jobs, based on skill and interest. With this said, no one job is more important than another, and every volunteer —no matter what job— is making the Downeast Scenic Railroad a reality.

Work will be from 9:00 am—4:00 pm with a 30-minute lunch break. Other days will be scheduled as groups involved in particular tasks may arrange to move that particular project along. For more details about the volunteer workdays, please contact us at 1-866-449-RAIL or Email the Downeast Scenic Rail.
- Work Boots
- Work Gloves
- Safety Vests: must be worn by everyone and a hard hat is required if working on or near heavy equipment. We have some of each, but having your own ensures you will always be prepared and will help us equip everyone.
- Food and Drink (plan to leave large coolers in your vehicle)
- Bug Repellent
- Sun Screen
- Weather Appropriate Clothing
- Shovel and Miscellaneous Tools
We have some of each, but having your own ensures you will always be prepared and will help us equip everyone.
Our liability insurance requires that all volunteers be members of the Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust, Inc. (DRHPT, INC.). All those who enter the rail right of way must be 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 may work in an area not designated railroad right of way. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are not permitted to operate equipment or power tools. No children under the age of 14 may perform work of any kind. Before entering the right of way or other Trust property, all volunteers other than those under 18 must sign a general release waver.

THE DRHPT, INC. IS A DRUG AND ALCOHOL-FREE ORGANIZATION WITH A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY.

Please do not bring pets. The Railroad has one mascot, Gus, and he is very protective of his railroad and doesn’t like to share.

As a volunteer and member you acknowledge that you will abide by all federal railroad administration safety rules and rules of the DRHPT, INC, and the Downeast Scenic Railroad, as presented to you as a member of the DRHPT, Inc., either written or oral, and you will further the mission of the DRHPT, Inc, in good faith and cooperation with fellow members.

Most importantly, we want you to enjoy yourself and learn about railroading and the Downeast Scenic Railroad!