2022 EVENT HIGHLIGHT
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL
RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - SATURDAY, JULY 23 - 12PM-8PM & SUNDAY, JULY 24 - 12PM-4PM
Join the Blair County African American Heritage Project and the Railroaders Memorial Museum on July 23 and 24 for the African American Heritage Festival. This family-friendly celebration will bring Black history to the community through education and entertainment. The festival will have musical concerts, dancing performances, food and vendors, education stations, and a kids corner. In addition, on Sunday, there will be a gospel fest and prayers for the community, among other fun activities and entertainment. This event is free to the visiting public. Discounted museum admission applies.
Join the Blair County African American Heritage Project and the Railroaders Memorial Museum on July 23 and 24 for the African American Heritage Festival. This family-friendly celebration will bring Black history to the community through education and entertainment. The festival will have musical concerts, dancing performances, food and vendors, education stations, and a kids corner. In addition, on Sunday, there will be a gospel fest and prayers for the community, among other fun activities and entertainment. This event is free to the visiting public. Discounted museum admission applies.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
HISTORY AFTER HOURS: GUIDED TOURS & LECTURES
RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - DESIGNATED THURSDAYS - 5PM-8PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum for its monthly lecture series, History After Hours, between March and November 2022. These designated Thursdays offer unique extended hours starting at 5PM. At 5:30PM, a guide will lead visitors on a personalized tour of the Museum, giving visitors full access to exhibits. At 7PM, a guest speaker will conduct a presentation. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages are included with admission. Handcrafted beers will be served by Railroad City Brewing Company throughout the evening. Attendees must be 21+ to be served and identification is required.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum for its monthly lecture series, History After Hours, between March and November 2022. These designated Thursdays offer unique extended hours starting at 5PM. At 5:30PM, a guide will lead visitors on a personalized tour of the Museum, giving visitors full access to exhibits. At 7PM, a guest speaker will conduct a presentation. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages are included with admission. Handcrafted beers will be served by Railroad City Brewing Company throughout the evening. Attendees must be 21+ to be served and identification is required.
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Wreck of the Red Arrow: Death in the Alleghenies
Thursday, March 3 - Presented By Joseph DeFrancesco Conrail Business & Research Trains: Special Equipment Thursday, April 7 - Presented By Brock Kerchner Waves & Witnesses: Johnstown Flood Testimonies Thursday, May 5 - Presented By Ranger Doug Bosley Heading North: The Underground Railroad in PA Thursday, July 7 (5:30PM) - Presented By Harriett Gaston Altoona in Tune: An on the Record Portrait of a Community Thursday, July 7 (7PM) - Presented By Dr. Jerry Zolten |
Riding on a Freight Train: Pittsburgh to Harrisburg
Thursday, August 4 - Presented By Dan Cupper Altoona Anarchy: The Labor Strikes of 1877 Thursday, September 1 - Presented By Matthew Adams Ghostly Tales: Legends & Lore of Western PA Thursday, October 6 - Presented By Thomas White The Last Patrol: Community & Freedom Thursday, November 3 - Presented By Sebastian Junger (Lecture Tentative Based on Author Availability) ORDER TICKETS VIA THE BUTTON ABOVE |
TWILIGHT AT THE CURVE: EXTENDED BUSINESS HOURS
WORLD FAMOUS HORSESHOE CURVE - DESIGNATED SATURDAYS - 10AM-10PM
Join the World Famous Horseshoe Curve throughout the year for Twilight at the Curve. The historic landmark will have extended hours on the following designated Saturdays: May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10 from 10AM-10PM. Walk the illuminated stairs trackside to enjoy a night under the stars! Bring a date for a romantic evening picnic, star gaze with family and friends, or snap photos of passing trains. Flashlights are recommended and telescopes are encouraged. The observation area will close at 9:30PM. The visitor center and museum store will close at 10PM.
Join the World Famous Horseshoe Curve throughout the year for Twilight at the Curve. The historic landmark will have extended hours on the following designated Saturdays: May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10 from 10AM-10PM. Walk the illuminated stairs trackside to enjoy a night under the stars! Bring a date for a romantic evening picnic, star gaze with family and friends, or snap photos of passing trains. Flashlights are recommended and telescopes are encouraged. The observation area will close at 9:30PM. The visitor center and museum store will close at 10PM.
ALTOONA AT WORK: BUILDING THE HORSESHOE CURVE
WORLD FAMOUS HORSESHOE CURVE - SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3-4 - 10AM-5PM
Join the World Famous Horseshoe Curve on Saturday and Sunday, September 3-4 for Altoona at Work: Building the Horseshoe Curve. These reenacting displays will present a comprehensive history of the engineering landmark, including details about its strenuous construction, monumental events of its past, and its status as a world-renowned tourist destination. Reenactors will provide hands-on interpretation and educational programs throughout the day by portraying the hardworking Irish immigrants who built the Horseshoe Curve in the early 1850s. This event is free with the price of admission.
Join the World Famous Horseshoe Curve on Saturday and Sunday, September 3-4 for Altoona at Work: Building the Horseshoe Curve. These reenacting displays will present a comprehensive history of the engineering landmark, including details about its strenuous construction, monumental events of its past, and its status as a world-renowned tourist destination. Reenactors will provide hands-on interpretation and educational programs throughout the day by portraying the hardworking Irish immigrants who built the Horseshoe Curve in the early 1850s. This event is free with the price of admission.
THE RAILFAN TOUR: ATTRACTION COMBO PACKAGE
RAILROADERS MUSEUM, HORSESHOE CURVE, & EVERETT RAILROAD - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, and the Everett Railroad Company on Sunday, September 18 for The Railfan Tour: Attraction Package. This special combo day gives railfans the opportunity to experience Central Pennsylvania railroading first hand through three local attractions! Tour the interactive Railroaders Memorial Museum, visit the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, and enjoy an excursion via the Everett Railroad Company. Their hour long train ride will take passengers from Hollidaysburg to Brookes Mills and back. Tickets are only available online.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, and the Everett Railroad Company on Sunday, September 18 for The Railfan Tour: Attraction Package. This special combo day gives railfans the opportunity to experience Central Pennsylvania railroading first hand through three local attractions! Tour the interactive Railroaders Memorial Museum, visit the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, and enjoy an excursion via the Everett Railroad Company. Their hour long train ride will take passengers from Hollidaysburg to Brookes Mills and back. Tickets are only available online.
ROBERT F. KOEHLE MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
SINKING VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 - 11AM-6PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum in remembering a local railroader on Friday, September 30 at the 2nd Annual Robert F. Koehle Memorial Golf Outing. Koehle was employed at the Juniata Locomotive Shops in Altoona from 1974 until 2006. During that time, he worked as a sheet metal worker and welder for Penn Central, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern. Later, Bob joined several country clubs including Sinking Valley, Iron Masters, and Huntingdon. Bob passed away in 2020. Proceeds from this event go towards preserving and interpreting the legacy of Central Pennsylvania railroaders.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum in remembering a local railroader on Friday, September 30 at the 2nd Annual Robert F. Koehle Memorial Golf Outing. Koehle was employed at the Juniata Locomotive Shops in Altoona from 1974 until 2006. During that time, he worked as a sheet metal worker and welder for Penn Central, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern. Later, Bob joined several country clubs including Sinking Valley, Iron Masters, and Huntingdon. Bob passed away in 2020. Proceeds from this event go towards preserving and interpreting the legacy of Central Pennsylvania railroaders.
HAUNTED RAILS & TALES: RAILROAD CITY HORROR STORIES
RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 15, & 22 - 6PM & 7PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum on Saturdays, October 8, 15, and 22 for Haunted Rails & Tales: Railroad City Horror Stories. While on a tour of the former Master Mechanics Building, visitors will discover that the exhibits come to life at night, animated by a new haunted artifact. As dormant tableaus awaken, attendees will meet reanimated spirits, woefully entombed in the museum’s mannequins. These lingering souls will tell haunting tales of Altoona’s horrific railroading past—inspired by true events of death and dismemberment. This event is not recommended for children four and under.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum on Saturdays, October 8, 15, and 22 for Haunted Rails & Tales: Railroad City Horror Stories. While on a tour of the former Master Mechanics Building, visitors will discover that the exhibits come to life at night, animated by a new haunted artifact. As dormant tableaus awaken, attendees will meet reanimated spirits, woefully entombed in the museum’s mannequins. These lingering souls will tell haunting tales of Altoona’s horrific railroading past—inspired by true events of death and dismemberment. This event is not recommended for children four and under.
TOY TRAIN SWAP MEET: EDUCATION & MERCH BOOTH
BLAIR COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - 9AM-2PM
Join the Alto Model Train Museum Association (AMTMA) on Sunday, November 6 for its Toy Train Swap Meet at the Blair County Convention Center. The venue showcases the newest models from manufacturers and also permits enthusiasts to complete older collections. This unique event benefits the Alto Model Train Museum, one of the Railroaders Memorial Museum's many community partners. Staff members from the Railroaders Memorial Museum will operate a booth consisting of reading materials, educational activities, and museum merchandise for railfans and model railroaders of all ages.
Join the Alto Model Train Museum Association (AMTMA) on Sunday, November 6 for its Toy Train Swap Meet at the Blair County Convention Center. The venue showcases the newest models from manufacturers and also permits enthusiasts to complete older collections. This unique event benefits the Alto Model Train Museum, one of the Railroaders Memorial Museum's many community partners. Staff members from the Railroaders Memorial Museum will operate a booth consisting of reading materials, educational activities, and museum merchandise for railfans and model railroaders of all ages.
SOLDIERS & SWITCHMEN: RAILROAD CITY AT WAR
RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12-13 - 10AM-5PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13 for Soldiers & Switchmen: Railroad City At War. This unique event will consist of living historians portraying and interpreting different American conflicts and how rail travel was involved in each. Quality displays will be found scattered throughout the immersive environments of the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Coinciding with the thematic and chronological elements of exhibits, each historian will appear in authentic attire pertinent to a certain wartime era. This event is free with the price of admission.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum on Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13 for Soldiers & Switchmen: Railroad City At War. This unique event will consist of living historians portraying and interpreting different American conflicts and how rail travel was involved in each. Quality displays will be found scattered throughout the immersive environments of the Railroaders Memorial Museum. Coinciding with the thematic and chronological elements of exhibits, each historian will appear in authentic attire pertinent to a certain wartime era. This event is free with the price of admission.
PAST 2022 EVENTS
RACE IN RAILROAD CITY: CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY
RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - 5PM-9:30PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Blair County African American Heritage Project on Thursday, February 17 for Race in Railroad City: Celebrating Black History. This open house and read-in will be dedicated to interpreting 200 years of Black history here in Blair County. Historians and community members will recite true stories of brave individuals who overcame oppression and promoted diversity. This program benefits the Blair County African American Heritage Festival. Handcrafted beers will be served by Railroad City Brewing Company. Masks are required for this event.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Blair County African American Heritage Project on Thursday, February 17 for Race in Railroad City: Celebrating Black History. This open house and read-in will be dedicated to interpreting 200 years of Black history here in Blair County. Historians and community members will recite true stories of brave individuals who overcame oppression and promoted diversity. This program benefits the Blair County African American Heritage Festival. Handcrafted beers will be served by Railroad City Brewing Company. Masks are required for this event.
TOY TRAIN SWAP MEET: EDUCATION & MERCH BOOTH
BLAIR COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER - SUNDAY, MARCH 6 - 9AM-2PM
Join the Alto Model Train Museum Association (AMTMA) on Sunday, March 6 for its Toy Train Swap Meet at the Blair County Convention Center. The venue showcases the newest models from manufacturers and also permits enthusiasts to complete older collections. This unique event benefits the Alto Model Train Museum, one of the Railroaders Memorial Museum's many community partners. Staff members from the Railroaders Memorial Museum will operate a booth consisting of reading materials, educational activities, and museum merchandise for railfans and model railroaders of all ages.
Join the Alto Model Train Museum Association (AMTMA) on Sunday, March 6 for its Toy Train Swap Meet at the Blair County Convention Center. The venue showcases the newest models from manufacturers and also permits enthusiasts to complete older collections. This unique event benefits the Alto Model Train Museum, one of the Railroaders Memorial Museum's many community partners. Staff members from the Railroaders Memorial Museum will operate a booth consisting of reading materials, educational activities, and museum merchandise for railfans and model railroaders of all ages.
RAILROAD CITY READS: STORIES & SONGS FOR KIDS
RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM - SATURDAY, MARCH 19 - 12PM, 1PM, & 2PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Altoona Area Public Library on Saturday, March 19 for Railroad City Reads: Stories and Songs for Kids. Miss Kristy, from the Altoona Area Public Library, and her entertaining guest Miss Melanie, will host special railroad-themed story times throughout the day. They will read books, play songs, sing rhymes, and perform locomotive motions with any kid in attendance. Stories begin within the 2nd floor House Exhibit at 12PM, 1PM, and 2PM. We encourage families to tour the Museum before or after the readings. This event is free with the price of admission.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the Altoona Area Public Library on Saturday, March 19 for Railroad City Reads: Stories and Songs for Kids. Miss Kristy, from the Altoona Area Public Library, and her entertaining guest Miss Melanie, will host special railroad-themed story times throughout the day. They will read books, play songs, sing rhymes, and perform locomotive motions with any kid in attendance. Stories begin within the 2nd floor House Exhibit at 12PM, 1PM, and 2PM. We encourage families to tour the Museum before or after the readings. This event is free with the price of admission.
BLAIR COUNTY DOLLAR DAY: EXPLORING LOCAL HERITAGE
RAILROADERS MUSEUM & HORSESHOE CURVE - SATURDAY, APRIL 9 - 10AM-5PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the World Famous Horseshoe Curve on Saturday, April 9 for Blair County Dollar Day. This special event allows local residents and families to explore these historical attractions for only $1 each. Blair Countians will have the opportunity to learn how the railroading industry created some of the community's most cherished civic pillars, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and other social institutions. Rediscover the past and build a deeper connection to the heritage of Railroad City. Please provide identification of residence upon entrance.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and the World Famous Horseshoe Curve on Saturday, April 9 for Blair County Dollar Day. This special event allows local residents and families to explore these historical attractions for only $1 each. Blair Countians will have the opportunity to learn how the railroading industry created some of the community's most cherished civic pillars, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and other social institutions. Rediscover the past and build a deeper connection to the heritage of Railroad City. Please provide identification of residence upon entrance.
PENN STATE HISTORY ENCAMPMENT: INFO BOOTH
PENN STATE ALTOONA CAMPUS - FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - 10AM-4PM
Join the Penn State Altoona History Department and History Society on Friday, April 15 for their annual History Encampment. A military timeline will showcase living historians, period equipment, weapons, and other wartime artifacts, including from the American Revolution to the present. Reenactors will be conducting informal programs for students throughout the day. The Railroaders Memorial Museum will operate a booth discussing rail travel during each American conflict. This event is free, open to the general public, and will be taking place on the lawns outside the Hawthorn Building.
Join the Penn State Altoona History Department and History Society on Friday, April 15 for their annual History Encampment. A military timeline will showcase living historians, period equipment, weapons, and other wartime artifacts, including from the American Revolution to the present. Reenactors will be conducting informal programs for students throughout the day. The Railroaders Memorial Museum will operate a booth discussing rail travel during each American conflict. This event is free, open to the general public, and will be taking place on the lawns outside the Hawthorn Building.
ALTOONA CURVE BASEBALL: JERSEY FUNDRAISER
PEOPLE'S NATURAL GAS FIELD - SATURDAY, JUNE 18 - BIDDING ENDS AT 8PM
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and Altoona Curve Baseball on Saturday, June 18 for Hockey Night. This local, minor league team will be sporting retro jerseys and baseball caps. This apparel, both game-worn and autographed, will be sold at auction. Numerous bids can be placed both in-person at Peoples Natural Gas Field or online via the phone application, LiveSource. Proceeds from this baseball jersey fundraiser benefit the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, and their educational mission to preserve and interpret the legacy of railroaders.
Join the Railroaders Memorial Museum and Altoona Curve Baseball on Saturday, June 18 for Hockey Night. This local, minor league team will be sporting retro jerseys and baseball caps. This apparel, both game-worn and autographed, will be sold at auction. Numerous bids can be placed both in-person at Peoples Natural Gas Field or online via the phone application, LiveSource. Proceeds from this baseball jersey fundraiser benefit the Railroaders Memorial Museum, the World Famous Horseshoe Curve, and their educational mission to preserve and interpret the legacy of railroaders.
