Welcome

A History of Lebanon County in 50 Objects

A History of Lebanon County in 50 objects tells a history of Lebanon County using objects found exclusively in the Historical Society. Recently, the New York Times wrote a story about the fifty items/objects that define the history of New York City. Tina Valgenti, of the Lebanon County Historical Society (LCHS), envisioned a similar project done for Lebanon County and we took a hold of the vision. After compiling objects and taking photographs (many thanks to Art Clagett for a job well done on the pictures), we have arranged the objects from the earliest in history to recent history. Both the photos and the captions tell the history of Lebanon County. We hope that this project will increase your interest in the history of the county and also the Lebanon County Historical Society. Stop in for a tour today! The site is created by graduating senior (May 2013) Digital Communications students at Lebanon Valley College; Sheila Betz, Danielle Biggs, Kevin Greene.
[click here to visit the virtual exhibition]

Lebanon County Bicentennial

In February, 2013, Lebanon County will mark its 200th year. See the Bicentennial page for updates and details of the celebration.

Announcements

New Additions to the Gift Shop:

• “Myerstown and Eastern Lebanon County” by Donald R. Brown, $21.99.

• On Sale Now — The 2013 Lebanon County Bicentennial Historic Calendar.  New sale price $10.00 plus tax (was $15.00) [Visit the Gift Shop»].

Upcoming Events

• Saturday and Sunday, May 18 – 19 Union Canal Days at the Union Canal Tunnel Park [More Info»].
• Monday, May 27, Society Building will be CLOSED in observance for Memorial Day.
• Saturday, June 1, noon, the Timelessness of Gov. Dick Park/Mt. Gretna presentation and walk at the Environmental Center.
• Saturday, June 8, 9AM – 2 PM Historic Old Annville Day, 25th anniversary.
• Saturday, June 9, 2 – 4 PM, Walking Tour of the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery (rain date June 16).

For a complete listing of the year’s upcoming events, click here.

The Lebanon County Historical Society

was organized in 1898 by a group of interested local citizens and amateur historians. The Society was considered the county’s attic until 1935, when the group offered its first public exhibits. Today, the LCHS is a place where residents and visitors alike can experience our history first-hand, as well as conduct their own historical research and have access to related gifts and souvenirs. The LCHS is truly one of Lebanon County’s hidden gems. [Read more »]

Mission Statement

The mission of the Lebanon County Historical Society is to collect, exhibit, interpret, preserve, and publish the history of the Lebanon Valley. The Society shall accomplish this mission through its museums, libraries, archives, publications, programs, and historic sites. The Society shall hold its collections in trust for the community and recognizes its responsibility to educate and inform the public about the history of the Lebanon Valley and make its holdings reasonably accessible to the public.

Location and Facilities

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 Memorial Hall, and the Society offices. The Society also owns and maintains The Union Canal Tunnel, the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States, for the canal which once linked Reading and Harrisburg. The Union Canal Tunnel Park includes picnic tables and has no admission fee. The park is located at 25th and Union Canal Drive, Lebanon. [Map »]

Hours of Operation

The Historical Society building is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays. and all holidays. The building may be closed for inclement winter weather.