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.
288 Eagles Mere Avenue, Eagles Mere, PA 17731 570.525.3370 View Map
Visit historic Eagles Mere, an unspoiled Victorian Resort in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Specialty shops, museum, a pristine lake, fall foliage and parks.
Eckley Miners' Village
2 Main Street Weatherly, PA 18255 Phone: 570.636.2070 WebsiteView 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.
Forty Fort Meeting House
20 River Street Forty Fort, PA, 18704 Phone: 570.287.5214 WebsiteView Map
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.
This brick church was constructed in 1853 and is a significant example of Greek Revival architecture.
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 Phone: 570.825.1500 WebsiteView Map
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!
Mary Stegmaier Mansion
156 S Franklin Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Phone: 570.823.9372 WebsiteView Map
Lovely Victorian mansion that is a unique meeting and banquet space for weddings and other functions.
Nathan Denison House
35 Denison Street Forty Fort, PA 18704 Phone: 570.823.6244 WebsiteView 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.
Frederick Stegmaier Mansion
304 S Franklin Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 Phone: 570.823.9372 WebsiteView Map
Located in the River Street Historic District, The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion is a historic house, museum, banquet facility, and grand bed and breakfast.
The Swetland Homestead
885 Wyoming Avenue Wyoming, PA 18644 Phone: 570.822.1727 WebsiteView Map
The Swetland Homestead is a short distance from the Nathan Denison House. Both give visitors an insight to early American living and architecture.
White Haven Area Community Library & Visitors Center
99 Towanda Street White Haven, PA. 18661 Phone: 570.443.8776 WebsiteView Map
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.
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.
Attractions
Electric City Trolley Station & Museum
300 Cliff Street Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: 570.963.6590 WebsiteView Map
Check out interactive exhibits and displays and take a ride on a trolley.
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
McDade Park Scranton, PA 18504 Phone: 800.238.7245 WebsiteView 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.
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.
Luzerne County Historical Society Museum
69 S Franklin Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 Phone: 570.822.1727 WebsiteView Map
Founded in 1858, the Society chronicles the history of the Wyoming Valley from prehistoric times to the present in three floors of exhibits.
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 County Sports Hall of Fame
Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport 100 Terminal Road Avoca, PA 18641 Phone: 570.824.7133 WebsiteView Map
Memorabilia Museum located in Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton International Airport recognizing the outstanding achievements of local athletes.
Steamtown National Historic Site
Lackawanna Avenue at Cliff Street Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: 570.340.5200 or 888.693.9391 WebsiteView Map
Climb aboard an old steam engine. Enjoy a train excursion. Learn about steam railroading and the people who made it possible.
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. WebsiteView 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. WebsiteView Map
