Steamtown National Historic Site

Steamtown NHS is working closely with officials from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and local health authorities to implement the 20201210-TWW-Limited-Time-Mitigation-Order.pdf (pa.gov) Order of the Governor Directing Limited Time Mitigation Due to COVID-19. Consistent with the Governor’s order, all museums are prohibited from operating throughout the state beginning at midnight on December 11th, 2020 through January 4th, 2021. Updates to park operations will be posted at www.nps.gov/stea and on the park’s social media sites.

From the Museum Collection: Clipping, newspaper. "Powderly Writes About/Centennial Locomotive." Letter to "Scranton Republican" 02MAR1916. Powderly relates that he used calipers made by steam pioneer George Stephenson in building Dickson Locomotive Works "Centennial," displayed 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (later DL&W RR No. 25, M&E No. 100). Summary of relations with George Dickson. Picture of "Centennial" engine. Foxing. Found in set with CAT. NO. 1596-1600. 03/0...7/1916. Powderly, Terrence Vincent Terence Vincent Powderly was born in 1849 in Carbondale. Powderly became a railroad worker at the age of 13 and at 17 he became a machinist’s apprentice working at that trade until age 28. In 1879, he was chosen grand master workman, the union’s highest post. In addition to his union activities, Powderly was also elected mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania, three times serving from 1878 to 1884. In the remaining years of his career, he practiced law and served in several government posts. The International Exhibition of Art, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine, better known as the Centennial International Exhibition, opened on May 10, 1876. It welcomed nearly ten million people by closing day, Friday, November 10. By 1876, the United States had survived a Civil War, a presidential assassination, political scandals, and financial instability. Organizers intended the celebration to be a positive step forward for Philadelphia and the nation by showcasing American ingenuity and resourcefulness. Manufacturers from all over the world exhibited thousands of objects for public inspection in Machinery Hall. Pennsylvania was represented by several firms including the Dickson Manufacturing Company, Scranton (locomotive and mining machinery) who were awarded a certificate of highest merit and a medal. Both the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and the Reading Railroad Company laid special tracks to stations at the site. See more

With the snow flying and temperatures a bit on the chilly side, imagine yourself inside the warm cab of our #3713 all nice and cozy . This is a photo of a Bosto...n and Maine P4b Pacific locomotive backhead, maybe even our of #3713. Once restored, the cab controls of the #3713 will look a lot like this. Note the #1130. This is the order number of this batch of locomotives from the Lima Locomotive Works by the B&M. See more

#ThrowbackThursday It seems as if our little green engine has always been operating. But its been five years since the Baldwin #26 chugged its way into our roundhouse. Some remember that beautiful December day when she had her restoration completed and the first test runs were made back and forth in our railroad yard. NPS Photos, Daniel Kahl.

Do you want to build a snowman? Rangers at #SteamtownNHS took some time out of the day to build their new co-worker. With snow on the ground, Ranger Frosty settled in nicely to his new park. #FindYourPark

Due to the wintry weather; the core complex is closed. Only the visitor center is open for visitors. Please check the road conditions before coming. Be safe out there. #RecreateResponsibly