Luzerne County HIstorical Society

The Luzerne County Historical Society will host Lorena Beniquez author of “Lost Coal Country of Northeastern Pennsylvania” on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at the LCHS Museum, 69 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18701. As the great-granddaughter of a Wyoming Valley coal miner, Lorena knew little about her family’s story or our area’s history. So, she embarked on a decades long labor of love, shooting a series of photos capturing the Huber and St. Nicholas coal breakers, while they were still standing. From there, she began to explore further and had the honor to meet and interview historians and the witnesses of the anthracite boom including the children of Joe Stella, William C. Best and Thomas Supey to name a few. But now nearly ten years later after publishing the book, many of LCCNP’s subjects are already gone. Lorena will present a talk about what sites have been demolished, which remain and new ones to explore. She will also detail the process of writing and photographing the book, which took almost 30 years to complete. This event is free to the public - no registration required. Books will be available for purchase and to have signed. Seating is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 570-823-6244 x3 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org.

On Friday, January 30st at 6pm, the Luzerne County Historical Society (LCHS) invites you to the formal opening of its newest museum exhibition, “Celebrating the Semi-Quincentennial: 250 Years of History.”  This expansive exhibition features several hundred items spanning the last quarter millennium of American history. Drawing deeply from the LCHS collection, the display highlights pieces from county mines, places of worship, sports teams, breweries, military units, and much more. With items ranging from the early 1600s through the 2020s, visitors of all ages will find something to connect with. The opening reception will run from 6pm-8pm and is free for all LCHS members. Light beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served, and LCHS staff will be available throughout the evening to answer any questions about the exhibition. “Celebrating the Semi-Quincentennial: 250 Years of History”, will remain on view throughout 2026 as part of the Society’s America 250 commemorations. The LCHS Museum is located at 69 South Franklin Street, behind the Osterhout Library in Wilkes Barre. For more information, call 570-823-6244 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org. Reservations are not required, but are kindly requested so we may plan for refreshments.