Gathered here are places where history can be experienced. Information included was gathered from the museums’ websites.

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

Address: 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, Pa.

Phone: 717-687-8628

Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

Of Note: The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania tells the rich stories of railroading in Pennsylvania, including all its railroads, its support industries and its workers and travelers — past and present. The museum houses a world-class collection of artifacts and archival materials representing the extensive and significant history of railroading in Pennsylvania. Collections range from massive steam locomotives to delicate pieces of dining car china, heavy track tools to fine art, lanterns and marker lights to station signs.

The Railroaders Memorial Museum

Address: 1200 9th Ave., Altoona, Pa.

Phone: 814-946-0834

Open: Spring: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; summer: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Of Note: The Railroaders Memorial Museum seeks to preserve the stories and contributions of Central Pennsylvanians who left an imprint on their communities, industry, and nation. Museum displays include a rich array of artifacts, immersive environments, and life-size dioramas of railroad workers performing various tasks typical of the Altoona Machine Shops. Various orientation films present colorful context of the people and lifestyles that composed the city's railroading community. A gift shop and digital database serves as additional amenities.

The museum also has a collection of rolling stock supported by a quarter-roundhouse which provides a place for restoration.The facility houses the museum’s most prized possession, Pennsylvania Railroad K-4 Locomotive 1361.

The World Famous Horseshoe Curve

Address: 2400 Veterans Memorial Highway, Altoona, Pa.

Phone: 814-941-7743

Open: Spring: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; summer: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Of Note: The horseshoe curve is an engineering marvel and a national historic landmark.

In the early 1850s, the massive front of the Allegheny Mountains, standing 2,161 feet above sea level, blocked westward advance. This obstacle culminated in the creation of the Gallitzin Tunnels and the Horseshoe Curve, both of which were dug out of near-impenetrable geographic formations. Using switchbacks, excavations, and pure innovation, engineers reduced grades and effectively conquered the mountains. To conduct these laborious endeavors, the Pennsylvania Railroad hired job-hungry Irish immigrants. The hazardous work lasted three grueling years.

The curve became known as one of the eight engineering marvels of the world. The now-iconic railroad link opened for business on Feb. 15, 1854. Over the next century-and-a-half, the landmark also became a tourism destination, a target of Nazi spies, and one of the primary east-west arteries of railroad travel in the nation.

Steamtown National Historic Site

Address: 350 Cliff St., Scranton

Phone: 570- 340-5200

Open: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Of Note: Discover the history of steam locomotives and the anthracite railroads by watching the museum’s 18-minute orientation film "Steel and Steam" or browsing through the museum. Explore the Roundhouse and get an up close and personal look at the rolling stock. Be in the "room where it happens" and join a park ranger or volunteer on a guided tour of Steamtown's Locomotive Repair Shop. Visitors can hop on board a seasonal short train rides or longer train excursions for the ultimate hands on Steamtown experience.

The Strasburg Rail Road

Address: 301 Gap Road, Ronks, Pa.

Phone: 866-725-9666

Open: Schedule tours and train rides at www.strasburgrailroad.com

Of Note: Visitors can take an authentic steam train ride through Lancaster County’s famous Amish Country. Travel through 2,500 acres of the picturesque countryside in the President’s Car, First Class, Dining, Open Air, or Coach. The Strasburg Rail Road is known as America’s oldest continuously operating railroad.

Reading Railroad Heritage Museum

Address: 500 S. Third St. Hamburg, Pa.

Phone: 610-562-5513

Open: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays;, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays

Of Note: Throughout its 30-year history, the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society has acquired the largest collection of railroad rolling stock dedicated to a single railroad in the United States. Comprised of over 70 freight and passenger cars and locomotives, the society's collection includes several historically significant examples of rail equipment, including the first production model of the General Motors GP-30 diesel-electric locomotive, #5513. Museum visitors have the opportunity to take a walking tour of the outdoor display yard with a museum docent and learn about how the Reading had a leading role in the development of railroad technology.

The East Broad Top Railroad

Address: 421 Meadow Street Rockhill, Furnace, Pa.

Phone: 814-447-3285

Open: Schedule train rides, emersive guided tours, and trolley rides at https://eastbroadtop.com

Of Note: During a stop at the East Broad Top Railroad, visitors can experience a comprehensive glimpse into America’s industrial past. First, enjoy a train excursion through the scenic Aughwick Valley, over the same route that once carried coal to market, miners to work, and locals to the outside world. Next, see the 19th century, belt-driven machine shop that kept the railroad running. Then take a step back in time to when many American towns and cities offered inexpensive and convenient transportation using electric trolleys at the Rockhill Trolley Museum.

Johnstown Flood Museum

Address: 304 Washington St., Johnston, Pa.

Phone: 814-539-1889, Ext. 311

Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays

Of Note: The stories of Johnstown — immigration, the 1889 flood, the steel industry and more — shaped the history of America as it became a modern industrial nation. The attractions of the Johnstown Discovery Network bring this rich history to life. Visit the Johnstown Train Station, Johnstown Flood Museum, Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown Children’s Museum, Wagner-Ritter House, and the Stone Bridge