History

Since its construction in 1893, this building has been in continuous use as the Society's Museum. The permanent exhibit on the Native American inhabitants of the area includes local artifacts ranging from stone implements of the Archaic period to the archeological evidence of European influence. A timbered coal mine gangway and its mine railway car on the lower level are part of the permanent exhibit on anthracite mining, the industry which once dominated Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Rotating exhibits emphasize events and important influences in the lives of the people of the area, using selections from the Society's and household articles, as well as photographs and paintings.  The Weathervane Gift Shop is open during the Museum's visiting hours. Besides various attractive gifts relating to the collections, the Gift Shop offers a variety of local publications

Exhibit:  A Story Runs Through It

 "A Story Runs Through It" is a compilation of 77 individual stories about the Wyoming Valley’s history, environment, industry, commerce, culture, floods and flood control. From accounts of Native American folklore to child labor in the coal mines and floods that unearthed graves, the book commemorates three centuries of life along the Susquehanna River. The book contains over 300 images on the history of the Wyoming Valley.

In conjunction with the release of this book, the Museum's exhibit features images and maps taken from the pages, mixed with artifacts from the Society’s collection telling the story of the Wyoming Valley Levee System and the marvelous history of Luzerne County. On display are images of the Harry Hillman Academy, Mercy Hospital, several of the area bridges, the coal industry including Breaker Boys and some of the entrepreneurial leaders of the Valley. Also, some of the artifacts shown are a colonial medical kit, Native American pottery, coal mining tools, and a steamboat anchor.

Exhibit:  Native Americans of Northeastern Pennsylvania

The Luzerne County Historical Society recently opened its new exhibit, Native Americans of Northeastern Pennsylvania, in its Museum, 69 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre (behind the Osterhout Free Library).  The exhibit will feature many of the artifacts from the Society collection, including stone tools, pottery, beadwork, silver, and even a sixteen-foot canoe, all of which tell the story of this region’s first inhabitants.  Also included are stories of Frances Slocum, George Catlin, and the Battle of Wyoming.

This Exhibit is the culmination of a year-long project that included several groups’ efforts, including the Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, Frances Dorrance Chapter, and countless volunteers from LCHS, SPA, the Rotary Club and Wilkes University.

Exhibit:  Postcards

"Postcards" displays over fifty reproductions of historic postcards from the Society collection.

Exhibit:  Anthracite Coal in Luzerne County

The Anthracite Coal exhibit is currently closed for renovations.

Contact Information

The Luzerne County Museum is located at 69 South Franklin Street in the historic Downtown Wilkes-Barre, directly behind the Osterhout Free Library.  The Museum is open to the public, Tuesday through Friday from Noon to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Admission to the Museum is free of charge.  There are numerous parking meters available along South Franklin Street, and a public parking garage is available just down the street from the Museum (Boscovs Department Store). You can contact the Luzerne County Museum  by calling (570) 822-1727 or by sending an e-mail to museum@luzernecountyhistory.com.  Incoming faxes can be directed to (570) 823-9011.

Directions

From Interstate 81 take exit 170B, onto the North Cross Valley Expressway (Route 309).  Take exit 3 and make left onto River Street.  Travel through approximately seven stop lights and turn left onto Northampton Street.  Make first left onto Franklin Street.  The Museum is half way up the block on the left behind the Osterhout Free Library.  The Bishop Library is half way up the block on the left next to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.  Street parking is available and Boscov's Department Store's parking garage is across the street.