Wyoming Historical and Geological Society
Encyclopedia
The Luzerne County Historical Society is one of the oldest continually operating local historical societies
in America. It was founded on February 11, 1858, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the first successful burning of anthracite coal
by Jesse Fell
, and was originally named the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society. The organization operates the historic Swetland Home in Wyoming, Pennsylvania
and a museum and separate research library in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It also administers the Nathan Dennison home.
By 1877, the Society had acquired rooms in the Odd Fellows
Hall and was able to open its collection to the public on Friday evenings. It later added a meeting room and library, and memberships and donations increased.
In 1882 Isaac Osterhout directed that space for the Society be included in the free library that was to be established under his will. The Osterhout Free Library trustees voted to erect a separate building behind the library to house the collections of the Society. The money was appropriated, and building opened in 1893.
With the acquisition of the Swetland Homestead in 1958 and the Bishop Library in 1971, the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society reached its present stature.
The Society maintains the storehouse for the collective memory of Luzerne County and its environs. It records and interprets the history, traditions, events, people and cultures that have directed and molded life within the region.
Historical society
A historical society is an organization that collects, researches, interprets and preserves information or items of historical interest. Generally, a historical society focuses on a specific geographical area, such as a county or town or subject, such as aviation or rail. Many historical...
in America. It was founded on February 11, 1858, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the first successful burning of anthracite coal
Anthracite coal
Anthracite is a hard, compact variety of mineral coal that has a high luster...
by Jesse Fell
Jesse Fell
Jesse Fell was an early political leader in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He was the first to successfully burn anthracite coal on an open air grate. His method and 'discovery' in 1808 led to the widespread use of coal as the fuel source that helped to foster America's industrial revolution. He lived...
, and was originally named the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society. The organization operates the historic Swetland Home in Wyoming, Pennsylvania
Wyoming, Pennsylvania
Wyoming is a borough in the Greater Pittston area of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States five miles north of Wilkes Barre, on the Susquehanna River. Formerly, coal mining was the chief industry. In 1900, 1,909 people resided in Wyoming. There were 3,010 residents in 1910...
and a museum and separate research library in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. It also administers the Nathan Dennison home.
History and Development
On February 11, 1858 a group met at the Old Fell Tavern in Wilkes-Barre to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the first known successful burning of anthracite coal in an open grate by Judge Jesse Fell. During the ceremony General E. L. Dana suggested the founding of an historical society. A resolution was passed unanimously, and the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society was incorporated in May 1858.By 1877, the Society had acquired rooms in the Odd Fellows
Odd Fellows
Odd Fellows is a name broadly referring to any of a large number of friendly societies, fraternal and service organizations and/or Lodges.-Societies using the name "Odd Fellows" or variations:...
Hall and was able to open its collection to the public on Friday evenings. It later added a meeting room and library, and memberships and donations increased.
In 1882 Isaac Osterhout directed that space for the Society be included in the free library that was to be established under his will. The Osterhout Free Library trustees voted to erect a separate building behind the library to house the collections of the Society. The money was appropriated, and building opened in 1893.
With the acquisition of the Swetland Homestead in 1958 and the Bishop Library in 1971, the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society reached its present stature.
Society's Mission
The Society strives to promote and preserve Luzerne County's collective history. In 2000, the Society adopted a new name to better reflect its mission: the Luzerne County Historical Society.The Society maintains the storehouse for the collective memory of Luzerne County and its environs. It records and interprets the history, traditions, events, people and cultures that have directed and molded life within the region.