Experience the home of the Industrial Revolution in Lackawanna County with interactive museums that showcase the region’s transition from agriculture to iron production and coal mining. This transition sparked demand for steam engines and led to the development of the first functional electric trolley system. Student and bus groups will discover the harsh conditions boys and men faced in the mines, the development of transportation through the years as trains went from commercial use to luxury passenger cars, and electric trolleys became the wave of the future. The Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau will provide useful tips and customized plans to those who embark on this Industrial adventure through time.
Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau
Alexa Peregrim, sales director
aperegrim@visitnepa.org
visitnepa.org/groups
TOUR
With a Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, explore 300 feet beneath the earth through an anthracite coal mine originally opened in 1860. Stick close to your guide as you walk through the winding underground gangways and rock tunnels past three different veins of hard coal. Listen as they explain the fascinating methods used and the heroic efforts involved, as men and boys worked to heat a nation and fuel the conversion of our economy from agriculture to industry.
EXPLORE
Anthracite Heritage Museum focuses on the history of hard coal mining, its related industries and the immigrant culture of northeastern Pennsylvania. The museum tells the story of people who came from Europe to work in the anthracite mining and textile industries. Visitors are welcomed into the families’ homes and neighborhoods with a moment of reflection in the kitchen, a visit to the pub, or a seat in a local church.
LEARN
At Steamtown National Historic Site, you can learn the history of the steam engine, see the giant locomotives that helped expand our nation, hear the sensational true stories of those that rode, worked for, and built these beautiful machines. As you tour this national park you will be amazed at the ingenuity of the engines and the turntable. Ask for a guided tour of the Locomotive Repair Shop to witness engineers at work restoring these legendary machines and the massive equipment required. Steamtown offers rides and excursions of various lengths to several different destinations.
VISIT
Located on the Steamtown National Historic Site grounds in a restored, late-19th century mill building, the Electric City Trolley Museum commemorates the first successfully operational electric powered streetcar system in the United States. You will enjoy the interactive exhibits and displays including vintage trolleys. Then climb aboard an authentic 1926 or 1932 trolley for a 5 ½ mile trip over Roaring Brook through the mile-long tunnel and along the original Laurel Line.
