Lots of interesting comments here but I think Erik H. hit a lot of good points. I have been a volunteer at a museum and been a member of one of the large groups that ran mainline excursions. When I relocated several hundred miles 14 years ago because of a new job I tried to find a place to volunteer and experienced some of the things concerning 'closed shops' that have been discussed.

I really believe that the successful museums of the future will use the model from many of the aviation museums, such as the Museum of Flight in Seattle, of welcoming all the members that they can and having a clear and easy path to start becoming an active volunteer if desired.

One more thing that I have noticed over the years of volunteer work. I really believe that the leaders of most organizations really want to do the right thing, but often don't lay the groundwork with the members of the organization. By this I mean that most volunteers are more than willing to work for a goal, they would just like to feel like they can bring out their concerns at the beginning and have that concern at least heard. The worse thing that a volunteer leaders can do is treat the volunteers like employees that should just shut up and do what they are told. When everyone is there because of a love of railroading you must treat them differently than you do employees, I just think a lot of folks don't understand that.

Really interesting thread, I've really enjoyed the various points of view.