LCHS Museum
Built in 1893
Since its construction in 1893, this building has been in continuous use for the Luzerne County Historical Society. Originally, the building housed the exhibits, library, and main offices of the Society. Since the library, archives and main office moved down the street to #49 in 1972, the building has functioned solely as a Museum.
A long-term exhibition on the Native Americans of the Wyoming Valley includes local artifacts ranging from stone implements of the Archaic period to the archeological evidence of European influence.
Changing exhibitions emphasize the stories of people, places and events in Luzerne County, featuring objects, photographs and documents from the Society’s collection.
Come Visit
69 Rear South Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Behind the Osterhout Library
Hours
Saturday: 11 AM - 3 PM | Jan - Oct
Or By Appointment: Call 570-823-6244 x3
Please call ahead to confirm before your planned visit.
Cost
LCHS Members: Free
Non-member Adults: $5.00
Non-member Children: $3.00 (ages 5-13)
Children Under 5: Free
There is a public restroom and a gift shop at the Museum
Parking
Parking is available at meters along South Franklin Street, or in one of the nearby parking garages or lots (the closest garage is at Boscov’s Department Store). The museum can be contacted at (570) 822-1727.
Accessibility
There is no handicapped parking available adjacent to the Museum. There are steps up to the front door and up to the first and second floors, as well as down to the restroom. There is no elevator.
Group Tours at the LCHS Museum
Are you a teacher, scout leader, or run a service organization/club? Do you have a school, church or community group that would like a tour of one of our sites? We’d love to have you!
The LCHS can accommodate groups from 5 to 50 but depending on the number, the tour maybe split into multiple groups. For children’s tours, the content can be tailored for kindergarteners all the way up through high school.
Group tours are available of the Swetland Homestead, Nathan Denison House, and the LCHS Museum. Tours can be arranged to meet your schedule, but advance notice is required.
Please note that additional fees may apply for tours of multiple sites.
Upcoming LCHS Museum Events
Join us for programs that bring history to life. From engaging lectures and tours to family-friendly activities and special exhibits.
Jan 23 – Lorena Beniquez author of “Lost Coal Country of Northeastern Pennsylvania”
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.
“Celebrating the Semi-Quincentennial: 250 Years of History”
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.
Native Americans In The Wyoming Valley
Step into the story of the Wyoming Valley’s first people. See ancient tools, explore evidence of early European influence, and marvel at a dugout canoe found in Luzerne County. Discover the fascinating life of Frances Slocum, a child from Wilkes-Barre who lived among Native Americans after her 1778 capture – and uncover even more stories in this long term exhibition at our museum.
