When Big Boy 4014 Came to Scranton

Big Boy crosses Bridge 60 over the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of residents and visitors alike.  

Scranton was once home to five major Class A railroads. In June 2026, it once again became the center of the railroad world.

Presented as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, the historic reunion of Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, and its sibling, Big Boy No. 4012, on permanent display at Steamtown National Historic Site, transformed the city into a destination for railroad enthusiasts, families, and history lovers from across Pennsylvania, throughout the United States, and around the world.

For the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, the event represented one of the most significant heritage tourism experiences in the organization’s 35-year history.

Built in 1941 by the American Locomotive Company, Big Boy No. 4014 remains one of the greatest engineering achievements of the steam era. Designed to haul massive freight trains across the Wasatch Mountains, it became part of the transportation network that carried the coal, steel, machinery, and military supplies that fueled America’s industrial strength during World War II. More than eight decades later, it continues to stand as a symbol of American innovation, craftsmanship, and determination.

Its reunion with Big Boy No. 4012 at Steamtown carried special significance. Although the locomotives once worked side by side on Union Pacific’s transcontinental railroad, their appearance together in Scranton offered visitors a rare opportunity to experience one preserved for future generations and the other restored to operating condition. It was a powerful reminder that preservation and restoration work hand in hand to keep history alive.

Few moments better illustrated that connection than Big Boy’s crossing of historic Bridge 60 above the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. As the giant locomotive thundered overhead, walkers and cyclists paused to watch a scene that connected the region’s railroad past with its recreational future. The former rail corridor below, now one of Pennsylvania’s premier multi-use trails, demonstrates how historic transportation infrastructure can continue serving communities in new and meaningful ways.

The event also underscored the value of heritage tourism. Visitors explored downtown Scranton, toured museums, walked the trail, stayed in local hotels, dined in area restaurants, and discovered the people and places that define northeastern Pennsylvania. Their visit extended well beyond the railroad tracks, providing an economic boost while introducing thousands of first-time visitors to the region’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.

“For more than two remarkable weeks, Scranton became a destination for people who wanted to experience history firsthand,” said LHVA Executive Director Joseph J. Corcoran. “The excitement surrounding the Big Boy reunion showed that America’s railroad heritage continues to capture the imagination of visitors from every generation. It also demonstrated the important role heritage tourism plays in strengthening local communities, supporting local businesses, and preserving the stories that define northeastern Pennsylvania. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, there could be no better reminder that our history continues to shape our future.”

That may be Big Boy’s greatest legacy.

At a time when technology continues to reshape the way we live, a steam locomotive built more than 80 years ago brought together generations of visitors through a shared appreciation of American ingenuity and perseverance. It reminded us that our nation’s story is told not only through its founding documents and historic battlefields, but also through the railroads, factories, mines, and workers whose innovations helped build modern America.

Scranton demonstrated that preserving our industrial heritage is about more than remembering the past. It is about celebrating the ingenuity, resilience, and spirit that continue to define our communities today. As America marks its 250th anniversary, the reunion of Big Boy No. 4014 and No. 4012 served as a powerful reminder that history is not simply something we inherit. It is something we preserve, share, and pass forward to the generations that follow.

Native Planting Project Brings New Life to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

The best way to celebrate America’s past is to invest in its future. That’s exactly what students participating in the STARS (Students Together Achieving Remarkable Success) at Marywood University program did when they volunteered along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

The group of shining STARS recently turned out for a volunteer planting project as part of LHVA’s America 250 Native Planting Initiative. Students representing Scranton High School, West Scranton High School, Scranton Preparatory School, and Holy Cross High School worked alongside LHVA staff and volunteers to plant native Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel along the trail corridor.

The project is one of several beautification and environmental stewardship efforts being undertaken by LHVA in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. In addition to enhancing the appearance of the trail, the native shrubs will provide valuable habitat for birds and pollinators while improving the ecological health of the landscape for years to come.

The STARS program brings students from diverse backgrounds together for leadership development, educational enrichment, and community service. Their enthusiasm and willingness to tackle the work under the summer sun demonstrated a shared commitment to improving the communities they call home.

“Projects like this give students an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their community,” said LHVA Volunteer Coordinator John Morrow. “By planting native shrubs, they’re helping improve the trail while learning the importance of caring for our natural resources.”

LHVA extends its sincere appreciation to the STARS at Marywood University program, its staff, and the participating students for helping ensure that the trail continues to grow as both a recreational destination and a place where the region’s natural beauty can flourish.

 

Adaptive Cycling Program Brings Freedom and Fun to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail was filled with smiles, laughter, and the spirit of inclusion as Lackawanna Heritage Valley welcomed participants from the Lackawanna Blind Association and Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM) for a spectacular day of adaptive cycling and outdoor recreation.

The event provided individuals of varying abilities the opportunity to experience the trail using a variety of adaptive bicycles designed to meet different mobility and accessibility needs. Riders enjoyed a scenic journey while experiencing the freedom that cycling can provide.

For many participants, the ride was about more than recreation. It was an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy time with friends, build confidence, and experience the outdoors in a way that might otherwise be difficult or inaccessible.

Adaptive cycling has become an important part of LHVA’s efforts to make the trail welcoming to everyone. Through partnerships with organizations such as Individual Abilities in Motion and the Lackawanna Blind Association, the trail continues to serve as a community resource where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.

Throughout the day, riders and volunteers shared stories, encouragement, and plenty of smiles as they traveled the trail together. The event highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of ensuring that outdoor recreation opportunities are available to all members of the community.

“Programs like this demonstrate that trails are about much more than transportation or recreation,” said April Rogato, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Executive Assistant. “They create opportunities for connection, independence, and shared experiences that bring people together.”

Lackawanna Heritage Valley extends its gratitude to the staff, volunteers, and participants from the Lackawanna Blind Association and Individual Abilities in Motion for helping make the event such a success.

As the adaptive bicycles rolled along the trail, they served as a reminder of a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom, and beauty of the outdoors.

From High Wheels to Heritage Trails: New Exhibit Celebrates World Bicycle Day

In recognition of World Bicycle Day and America250 PA, Lackawanna Heritage Valley (LHVA) has unveiled a new mini exhibit at its headquarters titled From High Wheels to Heritage Trails.

Created in partnership with the Lackawanna Historical Society, the exhibit features two remarkable bicycles on loan from the Society’s collection: an 1880s Penny Farthing, known for its oversized front wheel, and an early women’s “safety bicycle,” a design that helped make cycling more practical and accessible to a wider population.

The project was made possible through the efforts of Ella Rayburn, a longtime member of the LHVA Board of Directors and a dedicated advocate for preserving and sharing the region’s history. Rayburn recently retired from the Board after years of service to the organization and the community. 

Through interpretive displays, the exhibit explores how bicycles evolved alongside the railroads, industries, and river valleys that shaped northeastern Pennsylvania during the late nineteenth century. Early cyclists often traveled the same transportation corridors that connected communities, moved goods, and fueled economic growth throughout the Lackawanna Valley.

Today, that legacy continues along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Developed through the reuse of former railroad corridors, the trail welcomes thousands of cyclists each year who experience the region’s landscapes, communities, and history at a human pace.

As Pennsylvania participates in the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, From High Wheels to Heritage Trails offers a unique look at the innovations in transportation and recreation that helped connect people to the places they called home.

Eagle Scout Project Adds New Bike Repair Station to Heritage Trail

Trail users now have a new resource to help keep their bicycles in working order thanks to the efforts of a local Eagle Scout candidate.

Joseph Sandrowicz, a member of Boy Scout Troop 21 in Dickson City, recently completed the installation of a bicycle repair station and air pump at the West Lackawanna Avenue trail access point in Olyphant. The project was undertaken as part of Joseph’s requirements to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting.

The repair station provides cyclists with a convenient location to perform minor maintenance and repairs while using the trail. Equipped with tools and an air pump, the station will help riders address common issues such as loose components or low tire pressure, allowing them to continue their journey safely and with confidence.

rail

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail serves thousands of walkers, runners and cyclists each year, and trail amenities such as repair stations help enhance the user experience while promoting safe outdoor recreation.

“Projects like this demonstrate the positive impact that young people can have on their communities,” said Joseph J. Corcoran, executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “Joseph’s work will benefit trail users for years to come and is a valuable addition to the trail system.”

Eagle Scout projects are designed to provide meaningful service to the community while developing leadership, planning and project management skills. Joseph’s repair station is a lasting contribution that reflects both those values and a commitment to encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority congratulates Joseph on this accomplishment and thanks him for helping make the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail a better place for everyone to enjoy.

LHVA Awarded $1.35 Million State Grant for Historic Marvine Bridge Trail Connection in North Scranton

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) has been awarded a $1.35 million Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to rehabilitate and repurpose the historic Marvine steel truss bridge in North Scranton.

The project will transform the long-abandoned 317-foot bridge into a pedestrian and bicycle connection linking nearby neighborhoods directly to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the region’s broader 70-mile trail network.

Constructed in the early 1900s, the Marvine bridge once served the area’s anthracite mining operations and remains an important reminder of North Scranton’s industrial heritage. Through this investment, the structure will gain new life as a safe and accessible community asset focused on recreation, transportation alternatives, and neighborhood connectivity.

The bridge project represents a major step toward the long-term vision for the proposed Lower Leggett’s Creek Greenway, which seeks to expand trail access and connect more residents to outdoor recreation opportunities throughout North Scranton.

“This project is about reconnecting neighborhoods and creating safe, practical access to one of the region’s most important recreational resources,” said Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for LHVA. “The Marvine bridge serves as the catalyst for future trail connections that will allow more residents and families to reach the trail system directly from their neighborhoods.”

As part of the project, LHVA will rehabilitate the historic steel truss structure for public use and create improved trail access connections in the Marvine Dutch Gap area. The project also advances broader efforts to improve walkability, encourage healthy outdoor activity, and preserve historic infrastructure through adaptive reuse.

Funding was awarded through PennDOT’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program, which is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. The statewide program supports projects that improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, community accessibility, and transportation alternatives.

LHVA thanked its project partners, local municipalities, and elected officials for their continued support of regional trail and connectivity initiatives throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Showing Up for the Trail

University of Scranton Men’s Soccer Team

In recent days, students from the University of Scranton Men’s Soccer Team and Scranton Preparatory School spent time along the trail doing what needs to be done this time of year. Gloves on, bags in hand, they cleared litter, pulled debris, and covered a lot of ground.

It’s the kind of work that often goes unnoticed, but it makes a visible difference for everyone who uses the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

A Seasonal Effort Across the Valley

What these groups did is part of a much bigger effort. Each spring, dozens of volunteers step up across the Lackawanna Valley to help get the trail ready after winter. Storm debris, trash, and wear from the off-season all add up.

From organized groups to individuals who just show up and pitch in, this work is what keeps the trail safe, clean, and welcoming.

Scranton Prep volunteers

More Than a Cleanup

These efforts are about more than picking up trash. They’re about taking ownership of a shared space. The trail connects communities, neighborhoods, and people, and it stays strong because people care enough to take care of it.

For many of these students, it’s also a chance to give back locally and spend time outdoors in a place that belongs to everyone.

A Thank You That Goes a Long Way

LHVA is grateful to the University of Scranton, Scranton Prep, and the many volunteers who show up year after year. This time of year especially, their work sets the tone for the months ahead.

If you’ve been out on the trail lately, you’ve seen the difference.

Investing in Our Region’s Story: LHVA Announces Spring Partnership Grants

Across the Lackawanna Valley, the story of our region continues to be written, not just in books or archives, but in communities, classrooms, trails, and shared public spaces.

This spring, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is proud to support that ongoing story through more than $29,000 in Partnership Grant funding, awarded to organizations that bring our heritage to life in meaningful and creative ways.

These projects reflect what makes the Lackawanna Valley unique: a deep connection to place, a respect for history, and a commitment to building something lasting for future generations.

From festivals and public art to education and preservation, this year’s grant recipients represent a diverse cross-section of partners working to interpret and celebrate our region’s industrial, cultural, and community heritage.

Among the projects receiving support:

  • The Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates will host the “Arts on Fire” Industrial Arts Festival 2026, bringing history, craftsmanship, and community together in a dynamic public setting.
  • Anthracite Trolleys Inc. will continue the restoration of historic trolley car 790, preserving a tangible link to the region’s transportation legacy.
  • The Dunmore School District will engage students through a summer camp program, “Exploring the History of NEPA,” fostering place-based learning for the next generation.
  • Lackawanna County 4-H will host “Clover Games,” encouraging youth participation and community connection.
  • The Marywood University STARS Program will present “Raices y Voces,” (Roots and Voices) empowering young people to honor and share their cultural heritage through creative storytelling.
  • Moosic Borough will highlight local identity through “Moosic – An All-American Borough.”
  • The North Pocono Cultural Society will document regional stories through “Stories of North Pocono: An America 250 Community Heritage Project.”
  • The Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority will host “Celebrate America, Happy 250th,” connecting recreation with national heritage.
  • Scranton Tomorrow will bring the city’s narrative to life through “Song of the City.”
  • The United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA will enhance community access and identity through the “Pine Brook- Green Ridge Community Gateway at Capouse Center.”
  • The Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association (WVIA) will produce “A Collector’s Story in Pictures: Art of the Anthracite Coal Industry,” capturing the visual legacy of the coal era.

Together, these projects demonstrate the power of partnership. They connect people to place, strengthen communities, and ensure that the heritage of the Lackawanna Valley is not only preserved, but actively experienced.

At LHVA, this work is at the heart of our mission. Through the stewardship of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the broader Heritage Area, we are not only preserving the past, we are creating new ways for people to experience it. From trail corridors built on former rail lines to community programs that bring history into the present, every project we support helps connect people to the places, stories, and landscapes that define northeastern Pennsylvania.

Because in the Lackawanna Valley, heritage is not something you just learn about. It is something you can walk, ride, and experience every day.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley Accepting Spring Partnership Grant Applications

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is accepting applications for the first round of its 2026 Partnership Grants, offering up to $5,000 to support projects that celebrate the region’s heritage, arts, culture, education, and community life. The application deadline is March 6, 2026. Grant awards require a matching cash contribution.

The Partnership Grants Program is open to nonprofit organizations, schools, civic groups, and municipalities with project ideas—big or small—that bring local history, culture, creativity, and community stories to life across the Heritage Area.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the creativity and passion of our partners,” said LHVA Executive Director Joseph Corcoran. “These grants help turn good ideas into meaningful projects — from public art and cultural events to educational programs and heritage celebrations that strengthen our communities.”

In recent years, Partnership Grants have supported initiatives led by organizations such as the Lackawanna Historical Society, Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art, and the Electric City Trolley Museum, along with community-focused projects with Lackawanna County Parks & Recreation and the Dunmore School District. Funded projects have included exhibits, cultural programming, educational initiatives, community events, and public-facing activities that engage residents and visitors alike.

Organizations interested in applying or learning more about Partnership Grants are encouraged to contact April Rogato at arogato@lhva.org. Additional information and application materials are available at www.LHVA.org.

Planting a Living Legacy for America 250 PA on the Heritage Trail

SCRANTON — This spring, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) is planting more than trees — it’s planting a legacy. As part of America 250 PA, LHVA, in partnership with the Lackawanna County Conservation District, is launching a native tree and habitat restoration project along one of the most heavily used sections of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, between the 7th Avenue and Broadway Trailheads.

250 Native Trees and Shrubs for America 250

The project will bring  250 native trees and shrubs to the trail corridor, symbolizing the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and reflecting the forested landscape that would have existed in northeastern Pennsylvania at that time.

Planned plantings include mountain laurel, rhododendron, eastern white pine, and American chestnut — a once-dominant species that was nearly wiped out in the early 20th century by chestnut blight.

Honoring the Past, Growing for the Future

“America 250 gives us a chance to think about what kind of legacy we want to leave behind,” said Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “By restoring a native landscape along this trail, we’re honoring the land as it existed at the nation’s founding and creating something that will continue to grow and tell that story long after this anniversary year.”

Powered by Volunteers and Community Partners

The effort will be powered by volunteers from the public and private sectors, along with participants from local educational institutions, underscoring the community-driven nature of the project.

“This is what stewardship looks like,” said John Morrow, LHVA Volunteer Coordinator. “People showing up, putting their hands in the soil, and leaving something behind that will outlast the day.”

Environmental Benefits Along the River Corridor

Beyond its symbolic value, the project delivers important environmental benefits. Trees and shrubs planted along river corridors help filter stormwater runoff, reduce erosion, and create essential habitat for wildlife.

By strengthening this natural buffer along the Lackawanna River, the project supports long-term water quality while enhancing the trail as both a recreational and environmental asset.

A Living Legacy That Will Outlast the Anniversary

While not every tree planted will survive, many are expected to grow for generations. Some may still be standing when the nation marks its 300th anniversary, serving as a living reminder that heritage conservation is not just about looking back — it’s about caring for the future.

Located along one of the trail’s most active stretches, the project will provide trail users with a visible, place-based connection to the landscapes that shaped early American life. Additional volunteer planting days and educational activities are planned throughout the spring.