Swetland Homestead
Built in 1803
The oldest part of the house was built on this site in 1803. The additions made to it as the Swetland family grew and prospered have transformed the structure into the elegant home one sees today. Period rooms, spanning seventy years from the 1790s summer kitchen to the 1860s Victorian parlor, illustrate changes in living spaces and household objects as America and the Wyoming Valley passed from an agrarian economy to an industrialized society. The homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Generations of the Swetland family lived in the house until 1958, when it was given to the Luzerne County Historical Society.
Come Visit
885 Wyoming Avenue
Wyoming, PA 18644
Hours
The Swetland Homestead is currently open by appointment only.
Cost
LCHS Members: Free
Non-member Adults: $5.00
Non-member Children: $3.00 (ages 5-17)
Children Under 5: Free
There is a public restroom and a gift shop at the Swetland Homestead
Parking
Parking is available along Colonial Lane, just past the Homestead. Please do NOT park on Swetland Lane.
Accessibility
There is a slight step up to the entrance and steps up inside during the tour. Handicapped parking is available – please check with staff when making tour arrangements.
Group Tours At The Swetland Homestead
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.
Dec 6 – Christmas at the Historic Swetland Homestead
The Luzerne County Historical Society is proud to announce it is once again hosting a holiday program. On Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th, 2025, the Society will host “Christmas at the Historic Swetland Homestead", 885 Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming. The event will feature both modern and historic takes on the holiday season. Inside the house, guests will be transported to 1825 and will learn all about the holiday season 200 years ago. See what passed for decorations, and learn all about the traditions of this new celebration, Christmas Day. See how what at the dawn of America had been literally “just another day” is now, 50 years later, is beginning to shed its religious roots and is slowly turning into the celebration we all know today. Outside the house, present day Christmas features heavily, with Santa Claus and his helper, a choice of on site crafts for the kids, and a selection of local food trucks. Bring your letters for Santa, and get present from his helper, and after making your craft and taking photos, visit the Darling House (onsite) for a wide array of last-minute gift ideas in our gift shop. Finally, grab lunch at one of the food trucks onsite, featuring Belgian waffles, Caribbean cuisine, and more. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Tickets for LCHS members are just $5 and nonmembers are just $10 each. Tickets include tours of the house, visits with Santa, and the children's crafts. For more info, call 570-823-6244 ext. 3 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org. No reservations are required, tickets can be purchased at the door.
Dec 7 – Christmas at the Historic Swetland Homestead
The Luzerne County Historical Society is proud to announce it is once again hosting a holiday program. On Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and 7th, 2025, the Society will host “Christmas at the Historic Swetland Homestead", 885 Wyoming Avenue in Wyoming. The event will feature both modern and historic takes on the holiday season. Inside the house, guests will be transported to 1825 and will learn all about the holiday season 200 years ago. See what passed for decorations, and learn all about the traditions of this new celebration, Christmas Day. See how what at the dawn of America had been literally “just another day” is now, 50 years later, is beginning to shed its religious roots and is slowly turning into the celebration we all know today. Outside the house, present day Christmas features heavily, with Santa Claus and his helper, a choice of on site crafts for the kids, and a selection of local food trucks. Bring your letters for Santa, and get present from his helper, and after making your craft and taking photos, visit the Darling House (onsite) for a wide array of last-minute gift ideas in our gift shop. Finally, grab lunch at one of the food trucks onsite, featuring Belgian waffles, Caribbean cuisine, and more. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Tickets for LCHS members are just $5 and nonmembers are just $10 each. Tickets include tours of the house, visits with Santa, and the children's crafts. For more info, call 570-823-6244 ext. 3 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org. No reservations are required, tickets can be purchased at the door.
