All aboard the Father's Day Express: Keeping rail heritage alive in Lackawanna Co.

The whistle of Baldwin Locomotive Works #26 echoed through Lackawanna County as 170 passengers climbed aboard the sold-out Father’s Day Express.

But the steam-powered journey from Scranton to Jessup is about more than just the tracks under the train.

This Father’s Day celebration is hosted by the Iron Horse Society, the nonprofit friends group of Steamtown National Historic Site.

Their mission is to keep rail heritage alive, not just for railfans today, but for generations to come.

“This is all our shared history especially here at Steamtown. America grew up on trains. This is what moved us through the industrial revolution. Getting folks to come back today gives a connection to the legacy of our history and our future," said Mike Rinkunas, President of Iron Horse Society.

Once the train pulled into Jessup, passengers were treated to small-town festivities, food, fun, and even a model train set giveaway from Bernie’s Model Railroad Shop.

“The town is very excited. Jessup is looking for ways to be able to bring more people into town. They’re very excited to have a train load of people come in and visit for the day," said Bernie Macavage, owner of Bernie’s Model Railroad Shop.

The journey wasn’t just for dads, it was for families who bond over railroading.

“My husband saw it and he’s like ‘I want to do that for Father's Day. We are a train family. That’s what we do most weekends, we’re chasing trains. Thanks to the 13-year-old and the husband. He’s the one that got him into it. We do a lot of train stuff on the weekends," said Amber Carvalho from Pottstown.

Despite the high demand, the park only has four operational passenger cars. Proceeds from this event will help restore more cars and make room for even more families to experience the magic of steam.

“We need to embrace our history. Steam trains are a huge part of that. We need to be able to keep them running so future generations can enjoy them too," said Carvalho.

The Iron Horse Society has more events planned this summer like the ice cream train and Railfest on Labor Day weekend.