Strasburg Railroad aims to educate rich history through festive events

The Spark

The Strasburg Railroad is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the United States, charted back to 1832. Eric Conner, Vice President of Guest Experience and Stationmaster says in a few years the railroad will be celebrating bicentennial

“We are more than just a steam train ride through Amish country. We have a variety of dining events, food and beverage events, special events including civil war days, haunted rails and tales of Christmas and Easter events, and obviously the day off with Thomas. So we are a tourist attraction in the heart of Amish country, but we are more than just a steam train. We're also a family of family friendly attraction that has a a wide variety of different offerings, “Said Conner.

Around 1954 the railroad was struggling until the year 1960 when investors came together and decided to revive steam for passenger operations.

“So, in 1960, Labor Day of 1960, the Strasburg Railroad brings back steam for revenue generating passenger service. So, think of it is all the major railroads are getting rid of steam. Here's this small railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, bringing steam back. Plus, they're located in the heart of the Amish country, which was the booming tourist attraction in the late 1950s and 1960s. And so here we have this dichotomy of Amish country. People are coming flocking in to see the Amish, and there's a steam locomotive running, which at that time a lot of the parents and the kids grew up with steam, “said Conner.

Today, staff at the Strasburg Railroad works to educate their guests about its history through festive events. Terron Quailes Director of Entertainment says they aim to do historical things will make them fun. Right now, they’re preparing for their Christmas season.

“I just want to announce that we will be having our very first Christmas piece of this season that will kick off Saturday, November 30th. And that comes with a 5 p.m. train ride followed by a family style dinner that will take place in Lefevre Hall, which will include a brass band that will play for the mayor as well as a meet and greet with Mrs. Claus, and then stay on the lookout for all of what we have for 2025, “said Quailes.

CLICK HERE to see upcoming events.

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