Partners

The Iron Horse Society is the official philanthropic partner of Steamtown NHS

The Iron Horse Society at Steamtown

Iron Horse Society

The Iron Horse Society (IHS) is the official philanthropic partner of Steamtown NHS, working to preserve, interpret, and promote America’s railroading heritage. Since its founding in 2015, IHS has helped keep steam-era stories alive through historic railcar restorations, immersive public events, and hands-on learning experiences that engage visitors of all ages.

Together, Steamtown NHS and the Iron Horse Society are advancing preservation and restoration efforts that keep America’s railroading heritage alive. From returning historic coaches to service, to enhancing exhibits, IHS provides both hands-on and financial support that directly impacts the visitor experience.

Track to Tomorrow: In 2025, IHS received a $100,000 grant from the National Park Foundation to strengthen its long-term capacity and impact. This initiative includes a new strategic plan, enhanced outreach, and modern tools to grow membership and donor engagement.

 

Built by the Pullman Company between 1943 and 1946, this all-steel railcar was one of over 2,400 troop sleepers designed to carry U.S. soldiers across the country during World War II.

Current IHS Projects:

• DL&W Troop Sleeper #3621 (fundraising in progress)
  In partnership with the Lackawanna Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (R&LHS), IHS is leading the cosmetic and eventual operational restoration of this former Pullman-built troop sleeper. Efforts made possible with a $10,000 donation to IHS from R&LHS.
  Status (Autumn 2025): Fundraising and exterior restoration underway

• DL&W Coach #335 (work in progress)
  The Revive the Ride campaign aims to refurbish a 1925 Pullman‑built passenger car, restoring it from structural deterioration toward full passenger‑car readiness. Supported by a $15,000 grant from the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust and ongoing IHS commitment.
  Status (Autumn 2025): ~50% complete

• Boston & Maine #3713 (fundraising in progress)
  This 1934 pacific-type steam locomotive is undergoing long-term restoration with the goal of eventual operation. Initial fundraising and restoration efforts were supported by the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Railway Historical Society (L&WVRHS). As of 2023, the project is now led by IHS in collaboration with Steamtown NHS. Current work focuses on the locomotive’s tender and key mechanical components.
  Status (Autumn 2025): Active tender restoration and continued fundraising

• SW‑1 Switcher Locomotive (restoration underway)
  IHS, in collaboration with the park, has initiated restoration work on a 1939 SW‑1 class steam-era diesel switcher locomotive to support the operational needs of the park’s excursion and maintenance fleet.
  Status (Autumn 2025): Off-site restoration (contractor) in progress.

Get Involved

The Iron Horse Society’s mission is to engage public support for Steamtown NHS and enhance the public’s enjoyment of the park.

Want to get involved? Visit the Iron Horse Society website to learn more, become a member, or support their growing list of preservation projects.

 

Projects Completed with IHS Support

 

Before and After: The ‘Life on the Railroad’ passenger figure received a careful restoration, reviving its original appearance and enhancing the exhibit’s visual impact.

NPS Photo

• "Life on the Railroad" Exhibit
  With IHS-supplied museum-grade paints, Steamtown resource and facilities staff restored the “Passenger” mannequin (now affectionately named Delores) and cleaned other figures in this long-running core exhibit. The result is a fresher, more vibrant visitor experience. Completed: 2025

• DL&W Coach #1026
  Restored and returned to passenger service in 2025, this coach now supports Steamtown excursions, education programs, and IHS events. IHS funded asbestos encapsulation and interior paint; Steamtown locomotive shop staff and volunteers completed toilet upgrades and full brake servicing. Completed: 2025

• Native Plants & Site Improvements
  In celebration of Earth Day, and in partnership with NPS staff and volunteers, IHS supported a Day of Service volunteer event by purchasing native plants and assisting with on-site planting to enhance the landscaping and promote sustainability around the visitor center. Completed: 2025

 

Empire Refineries Tank Car #4753 was restored and moved back on display in 2024

NPS Photo

• Empire Refineries Tank Car #4753
  IHS funded the replacement of deteriorated wood running boards and supported the full cosmetic restoration of this single-dome tank car, including authentic repainting and stenciling. The result is a historically accurate and visually enhanced addition to Steamtown’s railyard display. Completed: 2024

• CNJ Crane #5
  IHS funded a full asbestos abatement on this rare CNJ maintenance-of-way crane, removing hazardous materials and laying groundwork for future preservation. Completed: 2024

• Stencil Cutter
  IHS equipped the park’s restoration shop with a modern multi‑material cutter and digital system for in‑house production of signage, graphics, and restoration stencils. Completed: 2023

 

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area (LHV) is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Based in Scranton, the heritage area encompasses the watershed of the Lackawanna River in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Luzerne counties.

The focus of LHV is renewal – renewal of the environment, renewal of a strong and diverse economic base, renewal of pride and a sense of place. The heritage area serves a number of diverse constituencies, including historic and cultural sites, environmental organizations, students, educators, municipal governments, residents, and visitors to the region. Along with its partners, LHV supports and coordinates a diverse array of projects that preserve, promote, interpret, and enhance the historic, cultural, and natural resources of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

 

Visitors gather around the turntable at Steamtown NHS during Railfest 2025.

NPS Photo

Strengthening Connections with Our Gateway Community

At Steamtown National Historic Site, we believe our Gateway Community reaches farther than geography; it’s anywhere rail touches. In alignment with Secretary’s Order 3434, we are committed to strengthening coordination with our community partners, ensuring shared stories, public value, and collaborative heritage experiences.

Who We Are:

We define our Gateway Community as a network of organizations and agencies that support, interpret, and sustain America’s rail legacy, including:

• Local, county, and regional governments

• Transportation, tourism, and planning agencies

• Rail heritage and preservation organizations

• Public schools and STEAM education networks

• Emergency services and infrastructure providers

• Official NPS philanthropic and cooperating associations

What We're Doing:

• Hosting quarterly coordination meetings with community leaders

• Incorporating local voices early in planning and decision-making

• For 2026: Seeking shared opportunities tied to America250, 200 years of U.S. railroading, 110 years of the National Park Service, and 40 years of Steamtown NHS

Missed our December Kickoff Meeting?

On December 1, we hosted Steamtown’s inaugural Gateway Community Kickoff Meeting, outlining the park’s direction and 2025–2030 Strategic Action Plan. While this first session focused on key partners, we are actively exploring ways to make this information available to a wider audience.

View the briefing: Gateway Community Kickoff Meeting

Want to Get Involved?

If your organization helps preserve, interpret, or activate rail history, we want to connect. Reach out to Megan Stevens, Gateway Community Coordinator to explore upcoming partnership opportunities.