US Interior Secretary Advocates for Steamtown Historic Site Investment

Burgum highlights the importance of preserving America's transportation history during visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A photorealistic painting depicting an old steam locomotive engine in warm, golden light, set against the backdrop of a weathered industrial building, conveying a sense of nostalgic reverence for the site's historical significance.A historic steam locomotive stands as a testament to Scranton's industrial past, underscoring the need to preserve America's transportation heritage.Scranton Today

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, emphasizing the need for investment to preserve the historic locomotives and rail yard. Joined by Congressman Rob Breshnahan, Burgum praised the dedicated staff and called for necessary upkeep and capital improvements to ensure the site continues to educate and inspire future generations.

Why it matters

Steamtown National Historic Site is a unique window into America's industrial past, showcasing the critical role that coal, railroads, and transportation played in the country's economic development. As a National Park site, securing federal funding and support is essential to maintaining this living museum and educating the public about the nation's history.

The details

During his tour, Secretary Burgum saw the historic locomotives on display and learned about the behind-the-scenes work required to keep the rail yard operational. He highlighted the site's importance in preserving the connection between energy, transportation, and economic development in Pennsylvania. Local officials, including Lackawanna County Commissioners Thom Welby and Chris Chermak, agreed that investment in Steamtown is crucial to keeping the area's past alive for the future.

  • Burgum's visit to Steamtown National Historic Site took place on April 13, 2026.
  • The last time a U.S. Interior Secretary visited the site was in the 1990s.

The players

Doug Burgum

The current United States Secretary of the Interior, who visited Steamtown National Historic Site to advocate for increased investment in the site's preservation.

Rob Breshnahan

A U.S. Congressman representing Pennsylvania's 8th district, who accompanied Secretary Burgum on the tour of Steamtown.

Thom Welby

A Lackawanna County Commissioner who agreed that investment in Steamtown is crucial to preserving the area's history.

Chris Chermak

A Lackawanna County Commissioner who praised Secretary Burgum's interest in understanding the site's needs and considering increased funding.

Steamtown National Historic Site

A National Park site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, that preserves historic locomotives and the region's railroad heritage.

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What they’re saying

“I'm most impressed with the team that's here. I mean the amount of experience that exists here, the love and the care that goes into preserving our history and then not just preserving it but making it living history.”

— Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior

“With that comes necessary upkeep and cap backs and investment to make sure places like this continue to flourish. So, we had a great conversation about the needs on what we need to do to make sure places like Steamtown continue for generations to come.”

— Rob Breshnahan, U.S. Congressman, 8th District

“Coal is partly what made the US an energy superpower, and now, Pennsylvania, with being the massive energy powerhouse that Pennsylvania is, it's going full circle. That tie between energy and transportation and energy and economic development is happening right here. So how cool that someone had the foresight 40 years ago to preserve all this.”

— Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior

“He said, 'Don't you show me the fluff stuff here. Show me what you need. And, and to have him in the department of interior, but he is the head of it, considering investing a greater amount in steam town, it's just fabulous.”

— Chris Chermak, Lackawanna County Commissioner

“Again, to have the secretary here to witness and see what we have, it's just excellent.”

— Thom Welby, Lackawanna County Commissioner

What’s next

Secretary Burgum indicated that he would consider increased federal funding and investment in Steamtown National Historic Site to ensure the preservation of the site's historic locomotives and rail yard for future generations.

The takeaway

Steamtown National Historic Site is a unique and valuable asset that preserves America's industrial and transportation history. The visit by Secretary Burgum underscores the importance of securing federal support to maintain this living museum and educate the public about the nation's past. Investing in Steamtown will help keep the region's history alive and inspire future generations.