On Sunday, July 9, Boothbay Railway Village (BRVM) invited volunteers and the public to enjoy live music and a barbecue on the Village Green to show appreciation for its volunteer staff. 

“We wouldn't exist without our volunteers. (They offer) skill sets that make this place operate, literally, from the people that run our model trains to the people that run the actual train. We benefit so much from our volunteers and we appreciate them so much,” said staff member Hannah Edwards. BRVM has about 150 active volunteers.

“It’s always been a fun adventure,” said Hannah Wayda, child enrichment director at the YMCA. She has volunteered to man stands at BRVM for the past couple of years. She also discussed how much her children, even though they are older, still enjoy visiting and riding the train.

Despite the day’s theme being Volunteer Appreciation, the excitement of the children in attendance stole the show as they raced against the Village Green and clambered into antique trains and automobiles. For Shannon Montgomery of Falmouth, the day marked another successful visit for her kids. “We came last summer, and it was a huge hit. We stayed for a few hours.” 

In addition to the regular activities, BRVM also featured an appearance from Willow the owl of the non-profit Pollination Station, a presentation by outboard exhibit founder and donor Larry Stevenson about the Art Nouveau and Deco era’s influence on outboard motor designs, and BRVM founder George McEvoy was available to answer questions about the village’s founding. Live music was performed by Dave and Chris Gagne, and Chip Schwehm.

“People that volunteer, I give them a lot of credit for taking that time just to give back,” said Schwehm. BRVM has been an “awesome resource” for him and his fellow teachers at Boothbay Region High School through the years. Recently, along with co-teacher Nick Scott, Schwehm taught a class focusing on local history, and BRVM was one of their field trip stops, mostly due to the historic buildings. “To be able to see an old-time schoolhouse in your own town, that’s pretty amazing.”

The preservation of the museum’s attractions is all thanks to its staff and volunteers. One such person is Roberto Forrest, a volunteer conductor and engineer, who has been working for BRVM for 10 years. Forrest runs maintenance on BRVM’s titular 1934 train and said the secret to its long life is not putting unneeded stress on its system. That is why the museum always lets the train warm up thoroughly before using it.  

He is confident the train will make it well past its approaching 100th birthday and that BRVM will be around for many more years. 

BRVM will host Children’s Day again this year on Aug. 13.