Technology Museum at Steamtown National Historic Site

The Railroad Technology Museum at Steamtown National Historic Site is a massive collection of information about the technology involved in all aspects of the railroading operation. While the mechanics of how a steam engine works immediately comes to mind in regards to topics that are surely discussed, visitors can also learn about how tracks are laid and railroads are built; how signals and switches work; what different types of whistles, lanterns, and lights mean; railroad safety innovations; how rail traffic is controlled; and the architecture of railroad bridges, viaducts, and stations; just to name a few of the topics covered. By the time you come out of the museum you may be ready for a job on the railroad, and if not, at least you can annoy your friends with your plethora of railroad knowledge.

Reproduction of DL&W Railroad’s roundhouse office at Steamtown National Historic Site’s Technology Museum

Exhibit on locomotive light signals at the Steamtown National Historic Site Technology Museum

As with the Railroad History Museum at Steamtown, the Technology Museum has its share of information panels populated with reproductions of historical photos, memorabilia, and newspaper reprints, so there is a lot of reading involved for those who want to give the museum a thorough examination. However, the Technology Museum has a lot more actual artifacts, a half dozen videos to watch (roughly three minutes each), plus many interactive exhibits. Of the two museums, the Technology Museum will probably appeal to more people, particularly kids.

Visitor enjoys an interactive exhibit on hobos at Steamtown National Historic Site’s Technology Museum

Stoker for lighting the coal in the massive steam locomotive fire boxes

My favorite exhibit in the Technology Museum is the backhead of an actual boiler. It is accompanied by videos and printed information about the function of all the knobs, switches, and levers. After studying this I was ready to be a steam locomotive conductor. Unfortunately, job opportunities are few since steam was phased out by the early 1960s. The only places steam locomotives run today are in parks like Steamtown National Historic Site.

Backhead of a boiler on display at the Steamtown National Historic Site Technology Museum

The Technology Museum does have a diesel-electric engine on display, but there aren’t any instructions on how to use it.

Diesel engine on display at the Steamtown National Historic Site Technology Museum

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

I realize that most people come to Steamtown National Historic Site, or any other railroad museum, to see the locomotives and to go on train rides. However, the Technology Museum is pretty interesting, and I think most people will get something out of the exhibits. Unlike the History Museum, where if you don’t see everything you might as well see nothing, you can skip around the Technology Museum and visit the topics that catch your interest. It took me an hour and a half to read all the information and watch the videos, which is way more than the typical tourist has any desire to do, but I suggest setting aside at least a half hour for a visit. And of course if railroad technology is your thing, this is definitely where you will want to be for a couple of hours.

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