Rail aficionados and history buffs boarded the CommUNITY 250 Express on Saturday for a journey back through the history of the nation and its railroads.
Greeting guests on the platform was President John Adams, portrayed by Ronald Duquette, who traveled from Virginia for the event.
Duquette shared both inspiration and insights from Adams’ experience as the first vice president and second president of the United States. He emphasized that sharing history with future generations is essential—especially when it comes to keeping young people familiar with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
“A lot gets lost,” Duquette said.
Back home, Duquette directs a choir that recently welcomed children as young as 10. When someone jokingly asked if he was starting a children’s choir, he pointed out that kids are the future of any choir—and, he noted, the same goes for history.
Kyle Jenks, portraying fourth president James Madison, warmly greeted Duquette, with both men commenting on how much the event felt like a true journey through time. The pair belong to “The League of Most Interesting Gentlemen,” a group of five reenactors dedicated to bringing early American history to life.
President Theodore Roosevelt arrived at the platform with just seven minutes to spare. The reenactor depicting the 26th president joked that because Roosevelt was the most recent president featured at the event, it was only fitting for him to arrive last.
Jennifer Ochman of the Lackawanna Historical Society portrayed Louisa May Alcott, the classic novelist best known for “Little Women.” Ochman looked forward to sharing details of Alcott’s life alongside a hands-on historical experience, noting that living historians help tell stories in the most engaging way possible.
Michele Dembesky, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames Prior to 1700, arrived in full colonial dress. A veteran of historical education, Dembesky has brought her portrayal to more than 32 programs across local schools, libraries, and community venues.
Historical Stops
Mary Ann Savakinus, executive director of the Lackawanna Historical Society, was excited to climb aboard the special excursion bound for Jessup, Archbald, and Carbondale. Each destination offered dedicated entertainment and historic programming spanning multiple eras. Participants especially looked forward to a Civil War encampment in Jessup.
“So, I call it the ‘Time Travel Train,’” Savakinus said.
The daylong event was sponsored by the Lackawanna Historical Society, Steamtown National Historic Site, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad and the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau.