• An engineer inspects the running gear of a steam locomotive at Steamtown NHS

    Steamtown

    National Historic Site Pennsylvania

Living History Programs

Living History programs are a different way of experiencing a National Park. These programs allow you to "step back in time" to a lost era and learn with someone from the past.

Steamtown offers four Living History Programs, including: a depression-era hobo, a World War II Military Policeman protecting the vital transportation network, a Mail Clerk serving on a Railway Post Office car, and a 1920s Yard Worker.

To learn about the Living History Programs that may be available during your visit, visit our Guided Tours page. Due to staffing and equipment availability, the Guided Tours page is updated on a monthly basis, with each months schedule posted about a week before the start of the month.

  • Living History Program: World War II MP Living History Program: World War II MP

    More information about this program. Read More

  • Living History Program: Mail by Train Living History Program: Mail by Train

    Learn more about this program. Read More

  • Living History Program: Hobo Living History Program: Hobo

    More information about this program Read More

  • Living History Program: Coal, Ash and Sand Living History Program: Coal, Ash and Sand

    Learn more about this program. Read More

Did You Know?

A ring of flame envelopes a steam locomotive drive wheel as a tire is heated so it can be placed on the wheel.

Though made of steel, the tires on a steam locomotive wear out. A new tire is cut slightly too small and then it is heated until it expands. After workers slide it onto the wheel, the tire shrinks as it cools and is locked into place. Learn more about steam locomotive maintenance at Steamtown NHS. More...