Lebanon County Historical Society

Lebanon County Historical Society Historical society, Archives, Library, Museum The Union Canal Tunnel Park includes picnic tables and has no admission fee.

The Society is located at 924 Cumberland Street in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, 1/2 block west of the intersection of Route 422 West (Cumberland Street) and Route 72 North (Ninth Street). The building houses the Stoy Museum and Gift Shop, the Hauck Research Archives library, the Reese Auditorium, and the Society offices. The Society also owns and maintains The Union Canal Tunnel, the oldest existing tun

nel in the United States, for the canal which once linked Reading and Harrisburg. The park is located at 25th and Union Canal Drive, Lebanon.

09/04/2026

Our Saturday Tour for September 12th will be postponed until 1pm due to our Book Club event held @ 11am.
Tours will return on Saturday September 19th at 10:30am. and can still be scheduled in advance by appointment as well.
We hope to see you then! 🙂

09/02/2026

The Historical Society will be closed this Saturday, September 5. Normal hours will resume Wednesday, September 9.
Have a great Labor Day!

Join us here the Lebanon County Historical Society, Sunday, July 26, from 2:00pm to 4:00 PM for "Cornwall Furnace During...
07/17/2026

Join us here the Lebanon County Historical Society, Sunday, July 26, from 2:00pm to 4:00 PM for "Cornwall Furnace During the Revolutionary War," presented by local historian Mike Weber.

Learn how Cornwall Iron Furnace and ironmasters Curttis and Peter Grubb helped supply the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War with cannon, shot and shell, stoves, and more while supporting the fight for American independence.

Admission is free, and all are welcome! We hope to see you there.

Happy 4th of July weekend from all of us here at the Lebanon County Historical Society! 🇺🇸As we anticipate the celebrati...
07/03/2026

Happy 4th of July weekend from all of us here at the Lebanon County Historical Society! 🇺🇸
As we anticipate the celebration tomorrow for the 250th birthday of our country, we honor the courage and sacrifices of those who helped shape our nation.
This historical milestone reminds us of the importance of preserving stories, places and people that make not only our country but our local communities so special.
We wish everyone a safe, joyful and memorable holiday!
❤️🤍💙

Enjoy a full FREE day of patriotic fun!Join the community as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday!Saturday July 4th 202...
06/26/2026

Enjoy a full FREE day of patriotic fun!
Join the community as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday!
Saturday July 4th 2026 from 1pm to 9pm @ the Lebanon Valley Expo Center located at: 80 Rocherty Road Lebanon, PA
There will be something for the whole family as we commemorate this historic milestone together.
For additional information including event schedule, parking and free bus service please visit:
Lebanon PA - 250PA or https://lebanonpa250.com/
We hope to see you there!

Announcement:Please note that the museum will be CLOSED on Saturday July 4th 2026. 🇺🇸We will return to our normal hours ...
06/26/2026

Announcement:
Please note that the museum will be CLOSED on Saturday July 4th 2026. 🇺🇸
We will return to our normal hours on Wednesday July 8th.
We will be closed on Saturday to observe the 250th Celebration.

We had a fantastic turnout for our first ever Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken fundraiser last Saturday, and we are incredib...
06/20/2026

We had a fantastic turnout for our first ever Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken fundraiser last Saturday, and we are incredibly grateful for the support from our community! 🐔
Thank you to everyone who purchased meals, spread the word, and helped make this event a success. Your support helps us continue our mission of preserving and sharing the history of the beautiful Lebanon Valley.

A very special thank you goes out to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and our Board of Trustees whose hard work, planning and commitment made this all possible.
We look forward to many more successful events like this in the future.

Month of June Father's Day ToursWhat better way to celebrate Father’s Day this year than with a memorable journey throug...
06/13/2026

Month of June Father's Day Tours

What better way to celebrate Father’s Day this year than with a memorable journey through local history.

During the entire month of June, dads of all ages, will enjoy free admission on a guided tour of our Stoy Museum. Our tour explores fascinating exhibits such as an old-fashioned barber shop, train displays, old fire engines and many more historic artifacts, and stories that helped shape our county. A unique experience that is sure to bring back a little nostalgia.

Free admission for your dad with the purchase of a regular tour.

Tours are by appointment only so please contact the Historical Society by calling 717-272-1473 or by emailing [email protected] to make your reservation.

Thank you, Visit Lebanon Valley! Come visit us!
06/11/2026

Thank you, Visit Lebanon Valley! Come visit us!

📜 History Happens Here - Lebanon County Historical Society

The Lebanon County Historical Society began in 1898 with a small group of local leaders committed to preserving the area’s stories. After meeting in shared and temporary spaces for decades, including the original courthouse, which was damaged by fire in 1908, the Society established its permanent home at 924 Cumberland Street in 1973.

The building is a historic landmark itself. Built in 1786 as the home and office of Dr. William Henry Stoy, it later became Lebanon County’s first courthouse welcoming figures such as future President James Buchanan. Over the years, the property evolved to include the spaces visitors see today.

The Stoy Museum plays an important role in the community by preserving and sharing Lebanon County’s history, connecting residents and visitors to the people, events, and milestones that shaped the region. Along with the Hauck Research Archives and Reese Memorial Hall, it serves as a place where local history is not only protected but made accessible and meaningful. More than a century later, the Society continues its work thanks to the support of members, volunteers, and the community it represents.

The historical society offers a virtual exhibit - "History of Lebanon County in 50 Objects" from the Stoy Museum that can be viewed online here: https://lebanoncountyhistory.org/50objects.html

🕰 Take a step back in time!
📖 Learn about local history and its people!
📍 924 Cumberland St., Lebanon, PA 17042

Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – PM
*The museum is by appointment only. Call 717-272-1473.

Website: https://lebanoncountyhistory.org
History Happens Here — in the Lebanon Valley.

Follow along each week as we continue to share historic stories and places in the Lebanon Valley. Celebrate history in the Lebanon Valley—stay, savor, and explore!
Link: https://visitlebanonvalley.com/

06/03/2026

Announcements:

Please note that effective June 16, our hours will be Wednesday – Saturday: 10 – 5. We will be closed Tuesdays to allow our staff and volunteers to tackle larger projects as we work towards making our museum self-guided and we are extending our Saturday hours to accommodate more visitors.

We will also require appointments to view original archival material and guarantee assistance from archival staff/volunteers to help ensure there is enough space and assistance to meet researchers’ needs. Viewing library books or digital material on library computers will not require an appointment and can be viewed any time during our normal operating hours as previously.

We are also happy to announce the return of our regular Saturday tours starting June 20. We will hold guided tours of the museum every Saturday at 10:30, no appointment required.
If you would like to have a tour at a different time, you can still schedule an appointment by calling us at (717) 272-1473.

Address

924 Cumberland Street
Lebanon, PA
17042

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+17172721473

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lebanon County Historical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Lebanon County Historical Society:

Shortcuts

Share

Category