Evening on the Summit

Evening on the Summit programs are select Tuesday evenings throughout the summer months! Programs begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Visitor Center auditorium. Programs are free and no reservations are required! Please check back for program descriptions. June 10, 2025 Dr. James Christy. Dr. Christy was a physician on the Allegheny Portage Railroad who worked and died in our area. The program follows the foot print of history to attempt to describe not just a small picture of his life but the times that shaped his life. Being a physician in the 19th century was far and away completely different from the knowledge and technology that we utilize today. He provided the best care regardless of the situation. The program is presented by park volunteer Jim Effinger. July 8, 2025 Charles Dickens' 1842 trip to America. Charles Dickens traveled on the Main Line Canal and Allegheny Portage Railroad 183 years ago in 1842. The program will feature his experience on the canal and railroad, and will also highlight the rest of his trip. This program is presented by Supervisory Park Ranger Doug Bosley. August 5, 2025 Mapping the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The program looks at the effors to re-map the Allegheny Portage Railroad combining historic maps and modern day technics to visualize the historic trace. The program is presented by park volunteer Brandon Sliko. September 16, 2025 The Underground Railroad and Main Line Canal. This program explores the connection between the Underground Railroad and the Main Line Canal. This program is presented by Dr. Barb Zaborowski.