Archivist's Tour: Explore East Broad Top Railroad Archives - Harrisburg, PA

Archivist's Tour: Explore East Broad Top Railroad Archives

Harrisburg, PAeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–1.5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; involves some stair climbing and standing during the tour.

Overview

Unlock the hidden archives of the East Broad Top Railroad on a private tour led by the station’s Archivist. Experience history behind closed doors in Rockhill, PA.

Details

The Archivist's Tour at the East Broad Top Railroad in Rockhill, Pennsylvania, offers a rare opportunity to access a hidden world of history. On this exclusive experience, you’ll walk behind the scenes of the Orbisonia Station and climb to the normally off-limits second floor, where more than 5,000 linear feet of historical documents and artifacts are carefully preserved. Guided by the railroad’s dedicated Archivist, you gain unique insights into the region's rich railroad heritage, transported back to a time when the East Broad Top Railroad was a lifeline for commerce and community. This private tour not only reveals invaluable archives but also provides a personal connection to a piece of living history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, railroad buff, or simply curious, this immersive experience showcases archival work in a way few get to see, highlighting the patience and precision behind historical preservation. Set in the scenic surroundings of Rockhill, this tour combines education with an intimate feel, making it ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of local heritage. The Archivist’s Tour is a memorable and meaningful adventure for anyone eager to explore the past beyond the typical museum visit.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

The tour involves walking up stairs to the second floor archives, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.

Bring a notebook or camera

Recording interesting details and photos of this unique experience is encouraged, but check the Archivist’s policy on photography.

Arrive on time

Tours run on a strict schedule to preserve the archive materials properly, so punctuality ensures you get the full experience.

Follow handling instructions

For preservation, some items can’t be touched directly—always listen to the Archivist’s guidelines during the tour.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The nearby Rockhill Trolley Museum for vintage trolley experiences
  • Orbisonia Reservoir for peaceful walking trails and birdwatching

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern wild turkey

History

The East Broad Top Railroad is one of the last remaining narrow-gauge railroads in the U.S., originally built in 1873 to transport coal and goods.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to maintain the railroad as a historic and educational resource while minimizing impact on the surrounding natural landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Late morning with natural light
Golden hour near sunset
Overcast days for soft interior lighting

Best Viewpoints

  • Outside Orbisonia Station showing the historic building façade
  • Inside second-floor archive room with shelves of documents
  • East Broad Top Railroad tracks and surrounding scenery

What to Photograph

Railroad artifacts and documents
Historic station architecture
Surrounding Rosehill landscape

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for navigating stairs and walking in and around the station.

Light jacket or sweater

Keeps you comfortable during cooler spring temperatures inside and outside.

spring specific

Camera or smartphone

For capturing photos of the historic station and surroundings (verify photography rules).

Notebook and pen

Helpful for jotting down interesting facts shared by the Archivist.

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