Nearly a century later, the trends and styles of those who lived in the early to mid-1900s remain instantly recognizable and deeply appreciated by many throughout the United States. Americans who were born in the first three decades of the 20th century are commonly referred to as the Greatest Generation, and with ample reason: This generation includes the individuals who weathered calamities like the Great Depression and fought in the Second World War.

America as we know it was largely shaped by the Greatest Generation. Many people pay tribute to its members by recreating the music, dancing and fashion of their time, including the participants of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania's annual swing dance. The museum, which is located on 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, will host the event on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase in the museum gift shop and online at https://tinyurl.com/rrmswingdance.

The swing dance will take place in the Rolling Stock Hall of the museum, and it will include live entertainment from Moonlighters Big Band. The Lititz-based musical group performs songs of popular big band artists such as Glenn Miller and Les Brown. Moonlighters Big Band will play music for attendees to boogie to for the duration of the evening, save for a few breaks. During each break, members of the Victrola Dance Hall will demonstrate moves that first-time swing dancers can try out when the music starts back up. Light refreshments will be available during the event.

On the same weekend as the swing dance, the museum will host its Trains and Troops program during its normal operating hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 4 and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Several exhibitors will set up displays to discuss American military conflicts that were heavily impacted by railroads, from the American Civil War to the early days of the Gulf War. Many exhibitors will bring military vehicles to display at the museum, and the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard will present a ceremony to salute veterans at 11 a.m. on Saturday and at 1 p.m. on Sunday. In previous years, attendees of both Trains and Troops and the annual swing dance have arrived in period-accurate attire such as vintage military uniforms.

"The weekend is a nice way to celebrate a different aspect of the 1940s, as well as explore the tie between railroads and the military," said Elizabeth Myers, program coordinator at the Railroad Museum. "The hall is always nice and full, and the music really makes the building come alive." The swing dance has continued to grow in popularity since the tradition was started 20 years ago. Last year, the event drew more than 200 participants, the highest number of dancers to attend the swing dance to date.

For more information, visit http://www.rrmuseumpa.org.