Welcome
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.
| Monday | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | CLOSED |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| All Holidays | CLOSED |
Announcements
No-Tolerance Policy of Unleashed Dogs
Due to some events of unacceptable interaction between owners’ dogs and the public at the Union Canal Tunnel Park, we have received notice from some individuals and our insurance carrier to put in to effect a no-tolerance policy of unleashed dogs. [Read more »]
Upcoming Events
Union Canal Days, May 19–20, 2012
The 23rd Annual Union Canal Days will be held at the Union Canal Tunnel Park. There is no admission charge for the festival and only a $1.00 per vehicle parking fee. [Read more »]
Bus Trip to Lockport, New York, June 8-9, 2012
Travel with the Friends of the Union Canal Tunnel Park for a trip to New York to visit the Erie Canal, Niagara Falls, and the Herschell Carrousel Museum. Make your reservation now. [Read more »]
Lebanon County Bicentennial
In February, 2013, Lebanon County will mark its 200th year. See the Bicentennial page for updates and details of the celebration.
