Steamtown National Historic Site Offering Paid Internship Opportunity Steamtown National Historic Site has an opening for a Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) – a paid 48-week internship with the National Park Service between September 9, 2024 – August 8, 2025. The park is seeking a reliable, creative, and outgoing person to join our team and with a goal to build and develop a park-wide Safety Campaign. The CVA will be responsible for producing videos, social media content, graphic design, print publications, and safety-geared programming at Steamtown National Historic Site. Additionally, they will contribute to park efforts in community outreach, volunteer service, and interpretive and educational programming.The position includes a weekly stipend of $600, limited health care/childcare benefits, housing allowance, and professional development funds PLUS eligibility for both an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,895.00 (pre-tax) AND Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion of the program.To be eligible, applicants must be high school graduates, between the ages of 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans), a US citizen or permanent resident, and comfortable working outside for extended periods of time.Interested individuals must apply by July 7, 2024!
Steamtown National Historic Site Event “Railfest” Returns Mark your calendars! Railfest returns to Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) Labor Day weekend: Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1, 2024. This year’s celebration will be offered in partnership with the Iron Horse Society, Steamtown’s official philanthropic partner. Both organizations are excited to be collaborating to provide an interactive and immersive experience celebrating railroading’s past, present, and future. Details are still being ironed out for the weekend-long event which is expected to include activities such as train rides, community partners, ranger-led programming, live entertainment, and more! Updates will be forthcoming. Stay informed by visiting www.nps.gov/steamtown or @SteamtownNHS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn about the Iron Horse Society by visiting https://theironhorsesociety.com/ or @ironhorsesociety on Facebook and Instagram. Located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown NHS is open 9:30am to 5:00pm, daily. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (President Biden Expressway, formerly known as Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by visiting the park website anytime. www.nps.gov/steamtown
Steamtown National Historic Site Announces 2024 Train Schedule All aboard! Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides resume for the 2024 season on Saturday, May 4. The Steamtown rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips along the Pocono or Carbondale lines. Our short train rides will begin on Saturday, May 4 and the first excursion trip of the season will head to Gouldsboro, PA on Saturday, May 25. Beginning Saturday, April 20 visitors will be able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our summer excursions (May.-Sep.); additionally, a limited supply of tickets for our short train rides will also be released. Tickets for our autumn excursions (Oct.-Dec.) will be released on Saturday, July 6. Visitors may also purchase tickets on-site at the Information Kiosk, credit card only. Beginning Saturday, May 4: Our short train rides will operate Saturdays and Sundays. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm. Tickets are $6 for passengers over the age of 5; $1 for passengers aged 5 and under. Tickets are valid all day for the date of visit and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences. Beginning Saturday, June 1: Our short train rides will operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm. Tickets are $6 for passengers over the age of 5; $1 for passengers aged 5 and under. Tickets are valid all day for the date of visit and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences. For all short train rides, seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time. 2024 Summer Excursions: tickets available beginning April 20 Saturday, May 25 – Gouldsboro: Craft Show, Kids Activities, and Local Author Reading Sunday, June 16 – Jessup: Father’s Day event (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Thursday, June 20 – Olyphant: Third Thursday Sunday, June 30 – Cresco: Museum, Food Trucks, Live Music, and Antique Cars Saturday, July 20 – Moscow: Grand Reopening (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Saturday, July 27 – Moscow: Country Street Fair Sunday, August 4 – Moscow: Ice Cream Express (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Saturday, August 17 – Carbondale: Pioneer Nights Saturday, September 14 – Moscow:Cork & Rail (in partnership with the Iron Horse Society) For tickets, email: info@theironhorsesociety.com Saturday, September 21 – Carbondale: Scarecrow Festival 2024 Autumn Excursions: tickets available beginning July 6 Saturday, October 5 – East Stroudsburg: Pickle Me Poconos Saturday, October 12 – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage and Blueberries Sunday, October 13 – Cresco: Fall Foliage, Museum, Food Trucks, Live Music, and more Saturday, October 19 – Delaware Water Gap: Fall Foliage Sunday, October 20 – Carbondale: Outdoor Train Saturday, October 26 – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween Friday, November 29 – Moscow: Holiday Express Saturday, November 30 – Moscow: Holiday Express Sunday, December 1 – Moscow: Holiday Express NOTICE: Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability.
Steamtown National Historic Site Hiring Curatorial Assistant intern In partnership with the American Conservation Experience (ACE) and the NPS Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program (CRDIP), Steamtown National Historic Site is hosting a curatorial assistant. The selected ACE member will assist curatorial staff with collection management activities and participate in professional development opportunities. The CRDIP introduces students and recent graduates, from backgrounds historically underrepresented in the National Parks, to career opportunities within Cultural Resource Management in the NPS. “Underrepresented” and “diversity” are broad terms in this context meant to reach as many students and recent graduates as possible from all backgrounds. Click the link below to learn more and apply today! https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1062276
The Steamtown National Historic Site to Host “Stuff the Caboose” Event Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) invites the public to “Stuff the Caboose” and enjoy some holiday cheer on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. This free family event will take place at Steamtown NHS, located at 350 Cliff Street in Scranton. The holiday season is just around the corner! Steamtown NHS and its partners are asking for your help to restock the United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Food Pantry with non-perishable food items. Interact with Scranton’s police and fire departments and their equipment, enjoy the sounds of holiday music provided by students from West Scranton High School Strings and Band, sample s’mores over a horizontal “Ring of Fire”, and take in the sight of locomotives decorated with holiday lights. Visitors will also have photo opportunities with the former Nay Aug Park Miniature Train to capture new memories or relive those from long ago!
Steamtown National Historic Site Winter Updates and Holiday Events November brings along colder weather and shorter days, signaling a time of transition at Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS). Winter Updates Sunday, November 12: final day for Short Train Rides and access to “Big Boy” Cab; Monday, November 13: begin winter hours of operation, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., daily. Steamtown’s History Museum, Roundhouse building, and outdoor spaces will remain open throughout the winter. Weather may cause delays or closures, for updates visit http://go.nps.gov/STEAconditions. Upcoming Holiday Events “Stuff the Caboose” will take place on Friday, November 17 from 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. The “Holiday Express” excursions to Moscow will run Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25; two trips offered each day from 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Santa Claus will arrive at Steamtown via the “Santa Train” on Saturday, December 2 around 3 p.m. The “North Pole Limited”, an event sponsored by the Iron Horse Society, will occur December 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, and 23; please check the Iron Horse Society’s website for tickets. Steamtown NHS is in Scranton, Pennsylvania. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185; then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street. Park information is available by calling (570) 445-1898, or by visiting the park website.
Steamtown National Historic Site Autumn Train Schedule Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) train rides continue this fall through November. The Steamtown NHS rail experience varies from short 30-minute trips exploring the park’s historic railroad yard to full-day trips into the Poconos. Visitors are now able to purchase advance tickets online through recreation.gov for our fall excursions (Sep.-Nov.). Tickets for our short train rides, the “Scranton Limited,” “Nay Aug Limited,” or Caboose Experience, are not available for advance purchase online and must be purchased on-site at the Tickets & Information Kiosk, on the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only. Now through Sunday, November 12th:• Our short train rides will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.• Tickets are $6 for adults and kids over the age of 5; $1 for kids 5 and under. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Tickets & Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase and may be used for multiple short train ride experiences.• Seating availability is first come, first served. We recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.• The “Scranton Limited” or “Nay Aug Limited” are not available on days we offer scheduled excursions. On excursion days, as staffing permits, the Caboose Experience will be offered. 2023 Autumn Excursions (Sep.-Nov.): Tickets now available for purchase online• Saturday, September 2nd – Gouldsboro: Craft Show (11am-3pm)• Saturday, September 23rd – Carbondale: Autumn Marketplace (9:30am-4pm)• Saturday, October 7th – Tobyhanna: Fall Foliage, Ice House Tour (10:30am-3:30pm)• Sunday, October 15th – Cresco: Leaf Peeper Excursion (11am-4:30pm)• Saturday, October 28th – Gouldsboro: Ghoulsboro Halloween (11am-3pm)• Friday, November 24th – Moscow: Holiday Express (9:30am-12:15pm)• Friday, November 24th – Moscow: Holiday Express (1:30pm-4:15pm)• Saturday, November 25th – Moscow: Holiday Express (9:30am-12:15pm)• Saturday, November 25th – Moscow: Holiday Express (1:30pm-4:15pm) NOTICE:• Train rides are subject to cancellation due to mechanical issues, inclement weather, or crew availability.Located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown NHS is open 9:00am to 5:00pm, daily. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (President Biden Expressway, formerly known as Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by visiting the park website anytime.
Steamtown National Historic Site Receives Generous Donation to Restore Locomotive A generous financial donation to Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) is helping fund the restoration of the Atlantic Coast Line #1901, a steam era diesel locomotive in the park’s collection. Steamtown NHS was one of six railroad museums identified to receive funds from the estate of Eric J. Yankovich, a longtime rail enthusiast. The Atlantic Coast Line #1901 is a SW-1 class switching locomotive manufactured by the EMC Division of General Motors Corporation in 1939. Its restoration will help enhance the live railroad experience, a key component of the mission of Steamtown NHS. In addition to carrying out switching operations, #1901 may be used to provide short distance passenger rides throughout the rail yard. “On behalf of the National Park Service, I would like to thank the family of Mr. Yankovich for his generosity and support of these treasured and historic places.” said Steamtown NHS Superintendent Cherie Shepherd. “I’d also like to thank the Iron Horse Society for helping fulfill Mr. Yankovich’s wishes and facilitating the transfer of funds to the park for this important restoration work.” After graduating from Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Yankovich took a position with the United States Navy as an engineer. While employed by the Navy, he continued his studies, attained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and became a licensed professional engineer. Yankovich eventually left the Navy and formed a structural analytics consulting firm that he managed until retirement. The contract for the restoration was awarded to McHugh Locomotive & Equipment. The work is expected to be complete by the end of 2025. The park’s philanthropic partner, the Iron Horse Society, also supported this project by choosing a Lehigh Valley Railroad paint scheme for the #1901 restoration.
Steamtown National Historic Site Increases Access Effective immediately, visitors now have access to the following indoor areas between 10 am – 4 pm: History Museum, Louisville & Nashville Railway Post Office Car; Erie Business Car, Cut-A-Way exhibit, Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Box Car; and Rutland Caboose. The reopening of these areas is a welcome addition to the roundhouse, railyard, and grounds which continue to remain open. Just as an FYI for you all, not to be published on social media just yet: the visitor center, theater, and remaining portions of the technology museum will have longer term closures until our heating system can be permanently fixed. We do not have an anticipated reopening date for these spaces. We will be setting up a TV and small viewing area for the “Steel and Steam” movie on the third floor of the History Museum and beginning in May, will have an information desk staffed by volunteers. We will need to work with our NPS regional and national communications offices to develop a Press Release or official statement with an update on the building closures and heating systems. Steamtown Celebrates National Park Week 2023 starting Saturday, April 22 We’ll mark this celebration with cab tours of the Union Pacific “Big Boy,” ranger-guided programs, and locomotive shop tours. Please see attached flyer for program details throughout the week. Guided tours of the locomotive shop are planned to be offered daily at 12noon throughout the summer. Summer Hours begin Monday, April 24 Steamtown will be open from 9am-5pm, daily. Train Rides resume for 2023 on Thursday, May 11 Short Train Rides Our short train rides, the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, will operate Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as staffing permits. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.Tickets are $6.00 for adults and kids over the age of 5; kids 5 and under are $1.00. Tickets must be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Tickets are valid all day and for ANY departure time on the date of purchase.Seating availability is first come, first served; we recommend getting in line 15-20 minutes ahead of scheduled departure time.The Caboose Experience will be offered in lieu of the Scranton Limited on dates we offer longer excursion rides, as staffing permits. Excursions – view 2023 schedule (bottom of page) Pricing varies depending on the destination:Adult (ages 12-61) $25.00-$55.00;Senior (ages 62+) $23.00-$50.00;Youth (ages 3-11) $18.00-$33.00;Child (ages 2 and under) $1.00.Tickets for our Summer Excursions may now be purchased in advance online through recreation.gov. Additionally, for those not comfortable with the recreation.gov platform, excursion tickets may be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk. All ticket sales will be credit card only.Tickets for our Summer Excursions (May-Aug) now available.Tickets for our Autumn Excursions (Sep-Oct) will be released 90 days before the excursion date. Railfest – Saturday, June 17, 2023 Save the date! Details are still being ironed out, but we will be hosting our event to celebrate the industrial heritage of the area in conjunction with Anthracite Heritage Museum’s Arts on Fire event at the Scranton Iron Furnaces. A free shuttle will be available to provide transportation between sites. We have also put out a request for proposals from Mobile Food Vendors for the event, please spread the word. More information here. As with all events and programming at Steamtown NHS, items identified above are subject to change and cancellation. Our website is the best place for the most up to date information: Alerts & Conditions – Steamtown National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
