Our Programs & Projects

The LHV has a full schedule of events throughout the year. The list of ways to help is always growing. After you submit your information, LHV will contact you to learn more about your interests and to answer your questions.

Do you love the region, its trails, and the great outdoors? Joining Ambassadors in Action is a wonderful way to use your talents, to develop skills, to meet new people, and to give back to the community.The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area (LHV) and Heritage Valley Partners (HVP) invite you to join “Ambassadors in Action,” the Heritage Valley's hands-on volunteer corps! Under the sponsorship of HVP volunteers are needed to help with trail clean-ups, heritage events, office support, and more! There are opportunities for everyone.

Outdoor Adventure Train Excursion

Join Us On the Rails

Join Lackawanna Heritage Valley and our friends from the Steamtown National Historic Site as we ride both the rails and the trails for our Outdoor Adventure Train Excursion!

We'll take a scenic, summer ride along the rails of the former Delaware & Hudson RR for an outdoor afternoon adventure along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail that you won't want to miss! Choose between hiking or biking excursions for an extra special day in the Lackawanna Valley!

Choose your outdoor adventure below!

Learn more about the Archbald Excursion.

Learn more about the Carbondale Excursion.
Santa Train

The Santa Train Rolls Into Local Historic Train Stations

Each December Santa Claus leaves his sleigh at the North Pole and come to town early on a train! Six local communities will celebrate Christmas in a Small Town when Santa arrives aboard a special train provided by Steamtown National Historic Site.

For over 20 years, the Christmas in a Small Town celebration, also known as the Santa Train, is a project of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area. The event draws large crowds of excited families to restored train stations throughout the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. It has become a tradition and a day to celebrate the heritage of Northeastern Pennsylvania!

Families are encouraged to assemble at the train station in each community to welcome Santa as the train pulls into town. At each stop, Santa and his friends will greet all of the children, hearing their lists for special Christmas wishes. After visiting with Santa, families can enjoy refreshments, live entertainment and special activities. The Valley View Marching Band will perform at the Archbald and Jessup train stations, greeting Santa with holiday music and entertaining the crowd. The Santa Train and its crew will be available for photo opportunities at each station. All activities are free.
* Train rides for the public are not available at this event.
Follow the Santa Train on Facebook, too!

Locations
Carbondale: River Street

Archbald: Pike Street

Jessup: Church Street

Olyphant:
Queen City Train Station
Lackawanna Avenue

Dickson City: Boulevard Avenue

Scranton: Steamtown National Historic Site

Sponsors & Partners

Christmas in a Small Town is sponsored by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area in partnership with Steamtown National Historic Site, the Delaware Lackawanna Railroad, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority, with special thanks to the City of Carbondale, the Carbondale Business Association, Archbald Borough, Jessup Borough, Jessup 21st Century, Olyphant Borough, Dickson City Borough, the City of Scranton, the Lackawanna Historical Society, the Anthracite Heritage Museum, the Lackawanna County Council on Arts and Culture, Propst Transportation, Community Bank NA, NBT Bank and Peoples Security Bank and Trust.

For more information contact:
April Rogato
LHV Executive Assistant,
570-963-6730, ext 8200
arogato@lhva.org

Heritage
Walk
Forum

Heritage Ambassadors

Created by LHVA in conjunction with its heritage partners, this one-day rolling classroom takes guests to key heritage sites in the Lackawanna Valley to educate, enlighten, and create a sense of pride and excitement about the area. Stops include: the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum, Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton's Courthouse Square, the Scranton Cultural Center, the Lackawanna Historical Society, Nay Aug Park, the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, the Everhart Museum, and the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum.

Downtown Scranton Walking Guide

Architecture tells the story of Scranton's heyday, a story that has become part of the city's 21st century revitalization. Scranton today is a bustling commercial and cultural destination. Scranton's revitalization embraces the past and the future. Come join us and see for yourself!

Download PDF

NEPA Trails Forum

The Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) Trails Forum is a loose alliance of organizations, government entities, and individuals who are involved with trail development in the region. These include recreational, mountain biking, snowmobile, park, municipal, and water trails, on both public and private lands.

The Trails Forum focuses on addressing issues in the trail building community. Representatives from trail user groups, municipalities and government agencies, civic organizations, professional firms, trail managers, and interested individuals attended the events to meet fellow trail groups, learn more about projects in the region, and share ideas and best practices. The Trails Forum meets on a quarterly basis.

NEPA Trails Forum Planning Committee

April Hannon, PennDOT District 4-0
Richard Cochrane, Anthracite Scenic Trails Association
Christine Dettore, Regional Advisor
Stephanie Milewski, North Pocono Trails Association
Janet Sweeney, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Owen Worozbyt, Lackawanna Heritage Valley

Previous Meeting Locations

Pocono Environmental Education Center
Wilkes University
Thornhurst Township
Vosberg Neck State Park
Pittston Memorial Library
Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center
Lacawac Sanctuary
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
Lackawanna Heritage Valley (Annual Spring Symposium 2014 ,2015, 2016, 2017)
North Pocono Trails Association - February 2017
Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails - November 2016
Susquehanna Warrior Trail - August 2016
Bear Creek Preserve, National Lands Trust - February 2016
Back Mountain Trail - November 2015
North Branch Land Trust - August 2015
D&H Rail Trail - February 2015
Trolley Trail - October 2014
City of Pittston - August 2014

Find the Right Program For You

Ambassadors in Action

Heritage Ambassadors

Downtown Scranton Walking Guide

NEPA Trails Forum

NEPA Trails Forum Planning Committee

Previous Meeting Locations