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
Thursday and Friday: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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.
Museum Sewing Circle
It's Back! On Saturday May 13th from 12pm-2pm the Luzerne County Historical Society will hold its third “Museum Sewing Circle” at the LCHS Museum, 69 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre. Have a project you are working on? Stuck and need help? Want to socialize and get inspiration and ideas? Then bring your sewing, knitting, crocheting or whatever else you are working on to the museum and join others in a relaxing setting. The Sewing Circle is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required. Call 570-823-6244 x3, or email reservations@luzernehistory.org to set aside your spot.
168th Luzerne County Historical Society Annual Dinner
In honor of America's 250th Anniversary, join us on Tuesday June 16th at 6pm at The Greens at Irem in Dallas PA, as we reflect on the people, places and pivotal moments that shaped Luzerne County and our nation's path to Independence. Our speaker for the evening is Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. Items from the Society's Semi-Quincentennial exhibition will also be on display. From the Revolutionary Era to the stories still being uncovered today, this special event will celebrate our shared past and the legacy we carry forward. Tickets are $75 for LCHS Members and $85 for nonmembers and includes choice of Chicken Franchaise, Pork Tenderloins, Grilled Salmon, or Vegetarian Ratatouille. For more questions or more information, call 570-823-6244 x3 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org.
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.
