Pre-K thru Grade 2	Program Description
Railroad Discovery 30 minutes	The history of steam railroading, told at Steamtown National Historic Site, is a story for all ages. This program, geared to preschool through 2nd grade, explores the sights, sounds, smells and people of historic steam railroading. Using stories, historic cars and locomotives, children are introduced to the glorious history of the people and machines that created the America we know today.
Working on the Railroad 30 - 45 minutes	During the 1920s, American railroads employed more than two million people. They built and maintained locomotives and cars, built the track, sold the tickets, loaded and unloaded the freight, and ran the trains. Chances are, most children in your class have an ancestor or relative who worked on the railroad somewhere in the world. This program, aiming at preschool through 2nd grade, focuses on the people who kept the railroads running. Using demonstrations, historic artifacts, and/or role-playing, students are introduced to their own history.
Grades 3 - 6
Railroad Music and Folklore 45-60 minutes	Casey Jones and John Henry still capture our imagination. They are historic people who made the jump from news to folklore. Others, just as heroic, did not make that transition: the heroes of the Hinkley, Minnesota fire, and Kate Shelley. This program, designed to satisfy Pennsylvania 4th grade requirements, explores the intimate relationship between news stories, folklore, songs and the American railroad.
Railroads in the Local Community 45 - 60 minutes	The Lackawanna and Wyoming Valleys of Pennsylvania -- the cities of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Carbondale -- and the surrounding communities of Northeastern Pennsylvania, owe their existence to coal, iron, silk and railroads. This program, designed to satisfy 4th grade state curriculum requirements, covers the history of Northeastern Pennsylvania from the earliest settlers through the heyday of steam railroading and the anthracite mines to today. Children are encouraged, through role-playing and/or period artifacts, to explore their own family history.
Grades 7 - 12
Locomotive Technology 45 - 60 minutes	Steam locomotives are made up of gears, boilers, pistons, compressors and other technological devices. Students will learn the story of how the steam locomotive evolved and the physics of how it operates.
Strikes, Blacklists and Revolution 45 - 60 minutes	Railroading, mining and industry in America was the crucible in which early labor unions were forged. The causes and effects of the labor unrest which created the nation we know today are explored. Special attention is given to the strikes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the anthracite strike of 1902.
Steel Highway 45 - 60 minutes	The story of railroading is the story of America. Through the use of museum exhibits and various activities, students will explore the social history and influence of railroading in American history and how the lives of individuals were changed.
Other Programs:
"America's Legacy" 45 minutes Audience: All	In 1872, America set aside Yellowstone National Park, and became the first nation to set aside land for the "benefit of all the people." This program is designed to educate students about the continuing legacy of protecting and preserving the resources of America's National Parks.
RAILCAMP 2003 Audience: Grades 9 - 12	Historic steam locomotives no longer cross the United States as they did years ago, but the vintage railroading industry and its modern counterpart are alive and well today. Positions dealing with the restoration and management of these locomotives, as well as modern ones, exist worldwide. Opportunities to learn about them, however, do not. In recognition of this, Steamtown National Historic Site, the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) and the Canadian Pacific Railway partner for our 5th year to offer this unique hands-on opportunity to learn about the many career opportunities that exist with railroads today.  For information and application, please contact the NRHS directly by clicking here to e-mail the NRHS now!

All educational groups must make reservations at least two weeks in advance of the planned visit by calling (570) 340-5204 weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Because our programs have proven to be very popular, we have had to limit the times and number of groups per day. Groups must plan to arrive either between 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. or between 12:00 - 1:45 p.m. No more than two groups will be scheduled at any one time. In order to provide a quality educational opportunity for your students, we recommend small groups -- 20 - 40 students per program.  While we understand that these group limitations are not always possible, we strongly recommend them.

These programs are recommended for the age groups listed. If you would like a different program about a specific subject, please talk with us about it.  If we can accommodate you, we will.  However, you will need to allow us the extra time to prepare any requested special program.  Our staff is ready and willing to help plan your visit to maximize the benefit for you and your students.  Many of these programs can also be presented at your school, within a limited geographic area, as either a pre-visit or post-visit program.

Restrooms and water fountains are available.  Outdoor picnic tables are available seasonally for lunch.  There are no indoor lunch facilities available at the Park, and no food, beverages, candy or chewing gum are permitted inside any building, including the Visitor Center, Turntable Plaza and/or the Museum Shop/Oil House areas at Steamtown.  There is a shopping mall located nearby (a short walk, about a ¼ mile away) from the Park which has a Food Court. Keep in mind that taking even a small group to the Food Court at the Mall at Steamtown requires about 1 to 1½ hours.

Teachers and chaperones are responsible for the conduct of the children at all times.  There must be at least one educator or chaperone for every 8 students.  (Additional adult chaperones are always welcome, but regular Museum Fee admissions apply.)

All artifacts at Steamtown NHS are protected by the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA). Please help us to preserve this resource for future generations by not removing any items from the Park.