SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A unique interactive experience is giving people in Scranton a chance to step into someone else’s shoes. 28/22 News Reporter Lynese Swida explained how the People of Hope Museum is using storytelling and hands-on exhibits to build empathy.

For many visitors, stepping inside the People of Hope Museum is more than just a tour; it’s an opportunity to hear firsthand stories of resilience, hardship, and hope.

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton brings the 53-foot traveling museum to Nay Aug Park.

“There’s a poverty simulator in there, so folks can get to experience just how difficult it is to be in poverty at this time. There’s, you know, stories from around the country of what we’re doing so poverty doesn’t just exist in big cities. It exists everywhere,” Diocese of Scranton Catholic Social Services CEO Joe Mahoney said.

One of the museum’s most impactful experiences is its poverty simulator.

The exhibit places visitors in real-life situations that challenge them to make difficult decisions, offering a glimpse into the obstacles many people face every day.

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From stories of resilience to hands-on exhibits, the People of Hope Museum is giving visitors a chance to see the world through a different perspective, one experience at a time.

Throughout the museum, visitors can listen to stories from people who have overcome adversity and learn how support from others helped change their lives.

Organizers hope the stories encourage visitors to reflect on the challenges people around them may be facing.

“So, we had a lot of anticipation about what was going to be presented. So, it was pretty incredible to walk through and do the interactive screens that they had that took you through the lives of other people. I liked the part where you can read the questions and answer, and then it would tell you about it after you answer the questions inside,” visitor Carol Mason told 28/22 News.

To find where the People of Hope museum is stopping next, you can find information online.

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