15-45 Minutes
Discover the History of Steam
Steamtown National Historic Site
Discover and uncover the history of steam railroading in the area; step back in time as you enter a recreated train station lobby complete with ticket windows; climb aboard a U.S. Mail Railway Post Office; or kick back in style upon the Erie Business Car #3.
The History Museum, originally called the South Museum, contains exhibits which focus on the history of steam railroading in the region. The timeline begins with early transportation, canals, and gravity railroads. It continues into the 1960s and ends at 1995. Part of the exhibit highlights groups of people whose lives influenced or were influenced by the railroad. Visitors are encouraged to travel back in time as you enter a recreated train station lobby complete with four ticket windows. Adjacent to the History Museum is an exhibit area with a Louisville and Nashville Railroad Post Office car, Erie Business Car #3, and an archeology exhibit.
Tags
Museum ExhibitsTrains and RailroadsSteamtownSteamtown NHSSteamtown National Historic SiterailroadtrainshistoryMuseum
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Details
Duration
15-45 Minutes
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Steamtown National Historic Site is accessible, with the exception of some historic locomotives and railroad cars. IMPORTANT NOTE: Some train rides/excursions are NOT accessible. Please explain your accessibility needs before purchasing train ride tickets. We are working to correct accessibility deficiencies to ensure an enjoyable experience for all of our visitors. Public use elevators are located in the History and Technology Museums; the Roundhouse are accessible via ramps. Note: the Visitor Center and Theater buildings are currently closed due to HVAC issues. There are 2 standard wheelchairs available for individuals who may have difficulty walking the museum complex areas; motorized wheelchairs are not available. The wheelchairs may be signed-out on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations), upon request at the Tickets & Information Kiosk. Wheelchairs may not be removed from the Museum Complex property. Designated accesible parking in the main parking lot is available. For Visitors with Hearing Impairments Open captions are available on all park films including "Steel and Steam" showing on the third floor of the History Museum. This video presentation is accessible by elevator or stairs. Ubi-Duo technology for communcating with visitors who are deaf. Each of these machines allow two-way, typed conversation for immediate viewing by both parties. One is available at the Tickets & Information Kiosk. American Sign Language interpretation is available by request. Please phone (570) 445-1898 at least 14 days prior to your visit to make arrangements. For Visitors with Visual Impairments There is a web and mobile app version of our park brochure with audio description. We have many tactile exhibits that can be experienced as well as audio with our videos, although not fully audio described yet. Our park brochure is available in Braille for pick up at the Tickets & Information Kiosk. With advance notice, a ranger tour can be given with audio description. Please phone (570) 445-1898 at least 14 days prior to your visit to make arrangements.
Pets
No — Pets are limited to the parking lot and the grassy area outside of the Theater Building. Please pick up after your pet and properly dispose of waste. Service Animals are permitted in all public buildings, railroad cars and locomotives and are not subject to the park’s pet policies and, when accompanying an individual with a disability, they are allowed wherever visitors are allowed. A service animal means any dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.” Please do not leave your pet unattended in a vehicle or tethered outside. For more information, visit the National Park Service Service Animals page or call Steamtown at (570) 445-1898.
Reservations
No
Location
History Museum