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.
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 A special thanks to our hosts:
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.
