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.
Museum Sewing Circle
On Saturday March 21st from 12pm-2pm the Luzerne County Historical Society will hold its second “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, looming 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.
“Building Our Area’s Most Significant Revolutionary War Monument: The Story and Saga of How the Wyoming Monument Came to Be”.
On Monday, March 30th at 7pm the Luzerne County Historical Society (LCHS) will host a program for Women’s History Month and the celebration of America’s Semi-Quincentennial entitled: “Building Our Area’s Most Significant Revolutionary War Monument: The Story and Saga of How the Wyoming Monument Came to Be”. The evening’s presenters are Mrs. Marian Czarnowski, Dr. William Lewis, and Luzerne County Judge Jennifer Rogers. The slide presentation will highlight how our most important local monument came to be and the critical role women played in its completion and future. New information on a long-lost artifact from the monument’s history will also be shown! The program will be graciously hosted by the members of Wyoming Lodge #468 F & A M and is FREE and open to the public. Wyoming Lodge #468 is located at 821 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming PA 18644. Parking is available in a lot behind the Lodge, as well as across the street. For more information, or to make a reservation, call the LCHS at 570-823-6244 x3, or email reservations@luzernehistory.org. Founded in 1858, the Luzerne County Historical Society is Pennsylvania’s oldest county historical society. LCHS preserves and promotes the collective history and heritage of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, at the Bishop Library and the Museum in Wilkes-Barre, the Denison House in Forty Fort and the Swetland Homestead in Wyoming. For more information, visit our website, www.luzernehistory.org. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/luzernehistory/.
Patriots and Tories Tea
The yearly tradition continues! The LCHS will once again host a spring tea, this time with a Semi-Quincentennial twist! And at a new larger venue, the Community Educational Partnership Center of Luzerne County Community College, 521 Trailblazer Drive, Nanticoke PA 18634. Join us on Sunday, April 19th at 1pm as we travel back in time to 1776 and join the ongoing discussions about the coming Revolution! Which side are you on? Do you feel Independence is inevitable? Or do you feel the Crown is the best option for America? Each table will feature re-enactors championing one position or the other, and will encourage you to join the debate and pick a side! Talk 18th century politics and events over a traditional sit down tea. (Which the Crown has taxed heavily, of course!) Tickets are $25 per person and include sandwiches, the tea, and the program. Period dress is welcomed, but not required. Reservations are required for this event, limited tickets are available, and like last year, it will no doubt sell out. For questions or more information, call 570-823-6244 x3 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org
168th Luzerne County Historical Society Annual Dinner
In honor of America's 250th Anniversary, join us on Tuesday June 16th at 7pm 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.
