8-22-2024 4:50am

DAYTRIPS: AIRVILLE, PA

World War II Encampment at Muddy Creek Forks
Soldiers with authentic vehicles, uniforms and armaments will be camping on our grounds Saturday, August 24 until Sunday, August 25th around 5 pm.
Railroads played a key role in the mobilization for war, and the Ma & Pa, too, contributed to the war due to gasoline rationing, passenger traffic more than quadrupled from 1940 to 1943, and manufacturers the railroad served in Red Lion, Towson, and York turned from producing civilian goods to military equipment and munitions.
There is no charge to attend the events we host throughout the season.

World War II re-enactors will camp at the Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village at Muddy Creek Forks on Saturday, August 24, 11 am - 5 pm and Sunday, Aug. 25, 1 - 5 pm. More than 50 re-enactors representing American, Canadian, French, German, and Russian units, both male and female, will be camped around the A. M. Grove Store and in the open field along Muddy Creek. The museum grounds will be filled with period tents, equipment, supplies, armaments, and a variety of military vehicles. The re-enactors highlight the "Greatest Generation" that acted during crisis times to save the free world. They are knowledgeable, providing accurate interpretations of the various armies, and are happy to interact with visitors.

There will be military engagements of Allied vs Axis forces in mid-afternoon on both days. The skirmishes will be led by the Big Red One Living History Organization, based in Craley, Pa.

Vehicles onsite will include an M20 armored personnel carrier, Jeeps, trucks, an Army railroad track car, and motorcycles, including a Russian motorcycle with sidecar. A Jeep equipped to operate on rail is expected as well as a German unit on horseback and paratroopers. Other weekend activities include Chris Brang with a Victory Garden display showcasing the role of agriculture and farmers in supporting the war effort. A John Deere tractor and a low-powered “put-put” engine used in farming will be in operation. Chris will also have a civilian railroading display from that era including his recently rebuilt railroad hand car that will be available for public rides.

On both days motorcar train excursions will be running through the scenic Muddy Creek Valley hourly. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children age 3 to 12. The A. M. Grove Store, Muddy Creek Forks Roller Mills, and grain elevator will also be open with costumed docents who can share a wealth of knowledge and fascinating stories about the people who lived in Muddy Creek Forks a century ago.

And on Saturday B1G T'S BBQ LLC will be onsite with delicious food.

Next up at the Heritage Village will be our Railroad Heritage Day with special exhibits, slide shows, and food on September 21. This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the narrow-gauge Peach Bottom Railway arriving in Muddy Creek Forks!

There is something to interest every member of the family at the Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village -- especially during these Discovery Days that will immerse you in the Muddy Creek Forks of 1915.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the website of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Societyat www.MaAndPaRailroad.com.
Download our full 2024 schedule flyer
2024 Ma & Pa Railroad Flyer