Watch the webinar here
In a recent Iron Horse Society webinar, Steamtown National Historic Site Superintendent Jeremy Komasz described a park with more momentum than it has seen in its 40-year history. Iron Horse Society President Mike Rinkunas opened the discussion by announcing that the Society is on track to cross $300,000 in revenue this year, thanks to several major grants and from its geneorous members and supporters.
This past summer set records! Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 spent 17 days at the park snuggled up to Steamtown's own 4012, drawing about 111,000 visitors. The Greater Scranton Area Chamber of Commerce estimates the visit brought $17 million in economic impact to the region. Rail Fest in September has a record 5,300 visitors over Labor Day weekend.
Much of the progress has happened because of behind the scenes work. Staff and volunteers are repairing track, replacing HVAC systems, improving fire protection, and cleaning up the yard. In 2024, Steamtown had NO passenger cars that were safe to put on the tracks. It now has 6 in service and a 7th getting painted and ready to roll.
The park also cares for more than 100 pieces of historic rolling stock and over 4 million museum objects. Baldwin No. 26 is still the backbone of the steam program. But to keep steam running when No. 26 goes out for its federally required 1,472-day inspection, the team is working on a full operational restoration of the Meadow River Lumber Company Shay No. 1. Komasz confirmed that Boston and Maine 3713 is still a priority.
Komasz stressed that the park relies on its volunteers, and he invited people with skilled trades to get involved. He also noted that Steamtown is a federal agency and is not set up to fundraise. It counts on the Iron Horse Society to raise money and to manage grants the park cannot apply for itself.
The park is also reaching further into the community. It works with more than 300 gateway community partners, has strengthened ties with local, state, and federal officials, and has become an anchor park for NPS Chesapeake Gateways. Komasz said the Big Boy Reunion put Steamtown back in the public eye and showed that a 63-acre park in Northeast Pennsylvania can operate on a national stage.
