182nd Anniversary of the Allegheny Portage Railroad

A Park Ranger gives a presentation at Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site.

NPS

2016 is special for two reasons. This year, is the Cenennial of the National Park Service. This is also the 182nd anniversary of the opening of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, which opened for operation on March 18, 1834. Join us for these great events this year!

Daily Summer Programs:
From June 4-September 25, 2016, we will be offering daily ranger programs, highlighting important aspects of how the Allegheny Portage Railroad was built and functioned. These programs include:
-Lemon House Tours.
-Spinning & Weaving.
-Stonecutting.
-Log Hewing.
-Rope making (participants get to take home the rope they make!)
These programs vary from day to day depending on available staff. Weather is also a factor since many programs are conducted outside. These programs are included in the $5.00 park entrace fee. Please check in the Summit Level Visitor Center to see what program is being offered the day of your visit.

Living History Day-Saturday, June 25, 2016:
This all day, family-friendly living history event has lots to offer all ages. The event schedule includes:
-Children's activities and games all day. Children can earn a Junior Ranger badge!
-Special guided tours of the Lemon House.
-Stone-cutting, log-hewing, rope-making, farm-to-factory, and other demonstrations during the day.
-The 2nd Pennsylvania, Company B-American Highlanders-from the Mexican War (1846-1848) will tell their stories and perform black powder demonstrations (musket firing) at designated points throughout the day.
-Learn about how the Allegheny Portage Railroad served a significant role in the Underground Railroad.
These events will run all day from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Park fees do apply, so please to the Summit Level Visitor Center to pay the fees before proceeding to the Demonstration area.

Evening on the Summit:
These popular summer Saturday evening programs return for 2016! All programs begin at 8:00 pm. Concerts are held in the park amphitheatre and speakers are in the Summit Level Visitor Center auditorium. Check out what is being offered in 2016:
June 11-Guest Speaker Jim Snyder-Blair County Cemeteries.
July 9-Park Ranger Doug Bosley-What was Carried on the Main Line Canal?
July 16-Concert by Full Kilt-Twist yer Kilt Celtic Rock.
July 23-Concert by Dead Irish Blues-Music Passed on by Those who Have Passed on.
August 6-Guest Speaker Jared Frederick-Images of Modern America: Gettysburg NMP.
August 13-Concert by the Michael O'Brian Band-World Famous Blitzin' Gallitzin Irish.
August 20-Park Rangers Doug Bosley and Nathan Koozer-"We've Come a Long Way."
September 3-Enjoying the Night Sky with Dr. Martin Rice.
Concerts are $2.00/person; other programs are free.

Allegheny Portage Railroad Heritage Hikes and Van Tours:
The following events are free, but reservations are required. All van tours are on Saturdays and all hikes are on Sundays. Some of these events have meeting locations other than in the park. Please call [phone] for more information and to make reservations:
June 11-Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour.
June 12-Johnstown Canal Basin Walk.
June 26-Staple Bend Tunnel Hike.
July 9-Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour.
July 17-Incines 6 to 10 Hike.
July 23-Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour.
July 24-Lower Trail Bike Tour-Alfarata.
July 31-Inclined Plane No. 10 Hike.
August 6-Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour.
August 20-Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour.
August 21-West Penn Trail Bike Tour-Blairsville.
August 28-Inclines 6 to 10 Hike.
September 3-Allegheny Portage Railroad Van Tour.
September 25-Hollidaysburg Canal Basin Walk.

Spirit Tours:
These family-friendly ghost tours provide a look into the darker side of living, working, and dying on the Allegheny Portage Railroad. There is a fee of $2.00/person. Reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations, please call [phone].
Saturday, October 15-Spirits on the Summit.
Saturday, October 29-Spirits of the Staple Bend Tunnel.