Volunteer with the Iron Horse Society
Make history. Tell stories. Build something meaningful — wherever you are.
The Iron Horse Society is the Official Friends Group of Steamtown National Historic Site, and we're powered entirely by passionate volunteers. Together, we're preserving America’s railroading heritage — and we need people like you to help us bring that history to life.
Whether you're an experienced railroader, a student looking for real-world experience, or just someone who wants to give back, there's a place for you on our team. You don’t need to live in Scranton (or even know a caboose from a locomotive!) to make a difference.
Ways You Can Get Involved
We offer both on-site and virtual volunteer roles across a wide range of interests and skill sets:
🎨 Social Media & Digital Content Creation
💬 Marketing, Storytelling & Podcasting
📝 Grant Writing & Fundraising
🎪 Event Planning & Public Outreach
📚 Research, Education & Historical Interpretation
🔧 Preservation & Technical Projects (on-site)
Our volunteers come from all backgrounds — railfans, creatives, teachers, tradespeople, students, retirees — all united by a shared love of history, community, and curiosity.
On-Site at Steamtown
If you're local or planning a visit, you can get hands-on with restoration projects and historic equipment under the guidance of experienced team members. No prior experience is required — we provide on-the-job training and prioritize safety at every step.
Note: Volunteers working on or around rail equipment at Steamtown must be members of the Iron Horse Society for insurance purposes.
🚂 Interested in operating or assisting with train equipment?
Those roles fall under the National Park Service’s Volunteer-In-Parks program. To get involved, please email Megan Stevens, Steamtown’s volunteer coordinator, at Megan_Stevens@nps.gov.
Our Volunteer Culture & Commitment
We believe in:
Making volunteer work accessible, flexible, and rewarding
Preserving history through both traditional skills and modern tools
Offering meaningful experiences for people of all backgrounds
Prioritizing safety, mentorship, and community
Most of our volunteers juggle full-time jobs or school and still find time to make a difference — whether for a day, a weekend, or a whole season.
Ready to Get Involved?
Email us at info@theironhorsesociety.org to share a bit about your background, interests, and availability — we’ll match you with the right opportunity.
Why Volunteer?
Learn new skills
Connect with others
Help preserve a national treasure
Build your resume or portfolio
Be part of something meaningful
Whether you're here for a single project or a long-term commitment, your time and talent help us move history forward.