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: 10:30 AM - 3:30 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.
Gallery Talk: Celebrating the Semi-Quincentennial
The Luzerne County Historical Society will offer a gallery talk about its newest exhibition, “Celebrating the Semi-Quincentennial 250 Years of History" on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. The exhibition draws on photographs, pamphlets, clothing, art, memorabilia and numerous three dimensional artifacts to cover the 250 years of American history, and beyond. With over 530 items on display spanning from 1620-2026 and covering more than two dozen communities in Luzerne County, there is something for everyone. The gallery talk will be presented by LCHS Director of Operations and Programs (and exhibition curator) Mark J. Riccetti, Jr. Mark will discuss the exhibition’s themes and design process and highlight some of his favorite objects. The gallery talk is free for LCHS members and $5 for non-member adults (includes museum admission). The Luzerne County Museum is located at 69 Rear South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre, PA (behind the Osterhout Library). The museum is open during the winter on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Weekday tours are available by appointment. Admission is free for members; $5 for non-members and $3 for children.
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.
