Membership

Benefits of Membership

The foremost benefit of membership in the Society is your participation in the noble mission of  promoting and preserving our Lebanon Valley history. Membership dues provide a portion of the operating expenses for maintenance of the Society building and for our community projects.

Here are more great reasons to join the Lebanon County Historical Society:

  1. The Stoy Museum and Gift Shop — The museum, housed in the Society building, allows visitors to stroll through history. Exhibits feature early offices and shops, including an early drugstore, doctor’s office, ladies dress shop, even a replica of a one-room school house. More than 20,000 artifacts are preserved and exhibited here. Members are entitled to free tours of the museum. And, yes, the Gift Shop has many unique and historic localized gift items for sale.
  2. The Union Canal Tunnel Park — The 1827 Union Canal Tunnel is the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the entire United States. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Due to the efforts of dedicated LCHS members, the tunnel operation now maintains several historically accurate canal boats which are pulled along the existing towpath. A visit to Union Canal is a great family outing.
  3. The Hauck Research Archives — Our extensive library collection continues to be a prime source of genealogical information for Lebanon County. Residents are able to discover their family heritage, thanks to this unique collection of data and records. More than 3,000 items are maintained. Members are afforded free unlimited use of the Archives.
  4. Interesting and Valuable Annual Publications — Member receive a free copy of our annual publication that covers points of local history. See the Publications page for a list of our recent editions.
  5. Our Excellent Newsletter, Seeds of History — This multipage publication, printed and distributed bimonthly, is almost worth the cost of membership alone. There are articles about historical sites around Lebanon County, an updated calendar of events, committee news, an updated list of new acquisitions and artifacts, and other fun features.
  6. Social Connections — It’s always nice to find people who share common interests and take pride in our Lebanon County heritage. The yearly calendar provides many opportunities to get to know your fellow members through organized activities. We hope you become a very active member.
  7. Learning Opportunities — The future belongs to our children. Your membership and your encouragement to actively involve our young people in the LCHS will pay very positive long term dividends for all area families.
  8. Your Opportunity to Leave an History Legacy — Individual donors are welcome to participate, but this reason is especially for our area businesses and corporations. What better way to preserve your company to the area that you call home than by actively lending your name and funding to the cause. Should you desire to be part of our Corporate Giving Team, you will join some of the finest names in the Lebanon County marketplace.

Annual membership dues are renewed on a January to December calendar basis.

Basic Memberships

Student $5.00
Individual $35.00
Family $50.00
Friend $75.00

Extended Memberships

1898 Circle - Individual $150.00 The Society was founded in 1898, and this very popular membership category includes all of the benefits of basic membership and a ticket to the Annual Membership Dinner.
1898 Circle - Family $200.00 Includes all of the benefits of basic membership and two tickets to the Annual Dinner Meeting.
Patron $300.00 All of the benefits of basic membership, two tickets to the Annual Dinner Meeting, and ten passes to the Stoy Museum.
Historian $500.00 All of the benefits of basic membership, four tickets to the Annual Membership Dinner, and twenty passes to the Stoy Museum.
Benefactor $1000.00+ Benefactors are extraordinary supporters of the work of the Society. Benefactors receive the same benefits as the Historian Membership, plus special recognition in The Seeds of History.

The Lebanon County Historical Society is registered as a charitable organization with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania, 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.