Step Back In Time

A Region With a Past



The history of Luzerne County is vast and storied and has connections the world over. What started out as Indigenous land, the Wyoming Valley and surrounding areas were occupied by European settlers in the mid-18th century. One of the most influential and lasting parts of Luzerne County history is the discovery of anthracite coal in the early 19th century. From the miners to the coal barons, the “black diamonds” influenced every part of life here until mining ceased. The site of major battles throughout the decades, home to the farms that fed George Washington’s armies, major exporter of anthracite coal to the rest of the United States, and birthplace of Mr. Peanut and HBO, Luzerne County’s historical significance cannot be understated. Join us near Halloween for spooky walking tours of some of Wilkes-Barre’s haunted locales. Stop by in July and take part in a commemorative ceremony of the Battle of Wyoming. Spend the day in Eckley Miners’ Village and immerse yourself in the lives of the coal miners who called this area home. Follow the history of Luzerne County with a tour of the beautiful Luzerne County Courthouse and its detailed mosaics.

Homes & Buildings


Eagles Mere Historic Village

288 Eagles Mere Avenue,
Eagles Mere, PA 17731
570.525.3370
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Visit historic Eagles Mere, an unspoiled Victorian Resort in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Specialty shops, museum, a pristine lake, fall foliage and parks.

Eagles Mere Historic Village Photo

Eckley Miners' Village

2 Main Street
Weatherly, PA 18255
Phone: 570.636.2070
Website  View Map

Young and old will learn about the hardships and triumphs of the coal miner and his family with a visit to Eckley Miners' Village.

Eckley Miners' Village

Forty Fort Meeting House

20 River Street
Forty Fort, PA, 18704
Phone: 570.287.5214
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Guided tours of the historic 1807 church with original boxed pews, elevated pulpit, and hand-carved columns. Open Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend through the last Sunday of September. Tours on other days are available with advance arrangements.

Forty Fort Meeting House Photo

Historical Brainerd Church

Off Route 93
Sybertsville, PA 18251
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This brick church was constructed in 1853 and is a significant example of Greek Revival architecture.

Historical Brainerd Church Photo

Luzerne County Courthouse

200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570.825.1500
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First opened in 1909, the Courthouse is a breathtaking building with murals and mosaics that illustrate local and national history. Walk through the Courthouse and take in the art and incredible architectural designs! 

Luzerne County Courthouse Photo

Mary Stegmaier Mansion

156 S Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570.823.9372
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Lovely Victorian mansion that is a unique meeting and banquet space for weddings and other functions.

Mary Stegmaier Mansion Photo

Nathan Denison House

35 Denison Street
Forty Fort, PA 18704
Phone: 570.823.6244
Website  View Map

Built in 1790 by early settlers from Connecticut. Open for tours Sunday from 1 to 4 starting the last Sunday in May through the last Sunday in September.

Nathan Denison House Photo

Frederick Stegmaier Mansion

304 S Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570.823.9372
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Located in the River Street Historic District, The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion is a historic house, museum, banquet facility, and grand bed and breakfast.

Frederick Stegmaier Mansion Photo

The Swetland Homestead

885 Wyoming Avenue
Wyoming, PA 18644
Phone: 570.822.1727
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The Swetland Homestead is a short distance from the Nathan Denison House. Both give visitors an insight to early American living and architecture.

The Swetland Homestead Photo

White Haven Area Community Library & Visitors Center

99 Towanda Street
White Haven, PA. 18661
Phone: 570.443.8776
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Housed in a former engine house, see artifacts and learn about the history of this mountain community. Find educational materials and programs for adults and children.

White Haven Area Community Library - Visitors Center Photo

Wilkes-Barré Preservation Society

313 South River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570.793.3631 - Please call for an appointment
Website      View Map

The Wilkes-Barré Preservation Society promotes the architectural and social history of Wilkes-Barre and is headquartered in the 1793 Zebulon Butler House.

Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society Photo

Attractions


Electric City Trolley Station & Museum

300 Cliff Street
Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570.963.6590
Website  View Map

Check out interactive exhibits and displays and take a ride on a trolley.

Electric City Trolley

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

McDade Park
Scranton, PA 18504
Phone: 800.238.7245
Website  View Map

Explore abandoned mines 300 feet beneath the earth and learn how men toiled their to harvest the "black diamonds" that fueled America’s Industrial Revolution.

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour Photo

Lattimer Massacre Memorial

62 Quality Road
Hazle township, PA 18202
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Site of the 1897 Miner Labor Strike. The Lattimer massacre was the violent deaths of at least 19 unarmed striking immigrant anthracite miners at the Lattimer mine near Hazleton, Pennsylvania, United States, on September 10, 1897.

Lattimer-Massacre Photo

Luzerne County Historical Society Museum

69 S Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570.822.1727
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Founded in 1858, the Society chronicles the history of the Wyoming Valley from prehistoric times to the present in three floors of exhibits.

Luzerne County Historical Society Museum Photo

Luzerne Civil War Monument

Bennett Street
Luzerne, PA 18709
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This monument was erected to honor the unit stationed at an encampment on the town’s farmlands. This unit participated in numerous battles at Gettysburg.

Luzerne Civil War Monument Photo

Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame

Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport
100 Terminal Road
Avoca, PA 18641
Phone: 570.824.7133
Website    View Map

Memorabilia Museum located in Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport recognizing the outstanding achievements of local athletes. 

Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame Photo

Steamtown National Historic Site

Lackawanna Avenue at Cliff Street
Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570.340.5200 or 888.693.9391
Website View Map

Climb aboard an old steam engine. Enjoy a train excursion. Learn about steam railroading and the people who made it possible.

Steamtown National Historic Site Photo

Wilkes-Barre Historical District Self-Guided Walking Tour

Phone: 888.905.2872
Self-guided tour from the Luzerne County Courthouse to Wilkes-Barre City Hall, visitors who take a walking tour of Wilkes-Barre will see a wide range of architectural styles and history living on through renovated buildings and structures.


Partnerships


Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

110 N 3rd Street, Suite 220
Lehighton, PA 18235
Phone: 610.377.4063
Navigate the Delaware and Lehigh, 165 miles of America’s history.
Website  View Map

Lackawanna Heritage Valley National & State Heritage Area

213 S 7th Avenue
Scranton, PA 18505
Phone: 570.963.6730, ext. 8200
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority works with partners to strengthen and enhance the historic, cultural, economic, and natural assets of the communities along the Lackawanna River using preservation, interpretation, and education to tell the region’s story.
Website  View Map

Societies


Back Mountain Railroad Club

1184 Twin Stacks Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
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Berwick Historical Society

344 N Market Street
Berwick, PA 18603
Phone: 570.759.8020
Website  View Map

Conyngham Valley Historical Society

470 Main Street
Conyngham, PA 18219
Phone: 570.788.8301
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Greater Hazleton Historical Society

55 N Wyoming Street
Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone: 570.455.8576
Website  View Map

Kingston Historical Society

Kingston, PA 18704
Website  

The Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historical Society

Website  

Luzerne County Historical Society Museum

69 S Franklin Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570.822.1727
Website  View Map

Pittston Historical Society

Pittston Memorial Library Lower Level
47 Broad Street
Pittston, PA 18640
Phone: 570.654.9565 Ext.27
Website  View Map

Plymouth Historical Society

115 Gaylord Avenue
Plymouth, PA 18651
Phone: 570.779.5840
Website  View Map

Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society

313 S River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570.793.3631
Website  View Map

Wyoming Monument

Wyoming Avenue
Wyoming, PA 18644
Phone:  570.693.0291
Website  View Map