Norfolk Southern celebrates railroad heritage at Railfest

Steamtown Railfest header image

Norfolk Southern joined rail enthusiasts, families, and community partners at Railfest 2026, held Sept. 4-6 at Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

 

The Labor Day weekend event celebrated Steamtown’s 40th anniversary as a National Park Service site, the 200th anniversary of the start of railroading in the United States, and America’s 250th anniversary. Visitors experienced train rides, visiting railroad equipment, demonstrations, exhibits, ranger programs, musical entertainment, and activities presented by community partners.

people at Steamtown Railfest event

A celebration centuries in the making

Railfest connected the history of American railroading with the people and technology moving the industry forward today.

 

Norfolk Southern supported the celebration by showcasing NS 8118 and connecting with visitors throughout the event. The NS team also handed out NS250 promotional items, giving guests another way to commemorate America’s milestone anniversary and the railroad industry’s enduring contributions to the country.

 

The event also featured Steamtown’s Baldwin No. 26 steam locomotive, railroad restoration demonstrations, locomotive shop tours, model train layouts, and exhibits highlighting railroads’ role in the development of the National Park System.

 

Why it matters

Railfest gave visitors an opportunity to experience railroad history firsthand and learn more about the industry’s role in connecting communities across the country.

 

“Railfest brings generations together around a shared appreciation for the railroad industry. By supporting Steamtown’s work, Norfolk Southern is helping preserve the stories, equipment, and traditions that shaped American railroading while encouraging future generations to discover its continued importance.” – Kristin Wong, Director NS Foundation & Community Impact

 

Preserving a shared legacy

Steamtown National Historic Site carries out its railroad preservation mission as a unit of the National Park Service. Steamtown Superintendent Jeremy Komasz described Norfolk Southern’s support as meaningful to the park and noted the close connection between the railroad, its history, and the region.

 

Norfolk Southern is proud to support opportunities that preserve railroad heritage, expand access to education, and strengthen its connections with the communities it serves

 


Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern as a Communications Manager, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.

 

 

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