A large part of any kind of writing includes research. The Wayne County Historical Society in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, has been an important influence in preserving history since 1917. Part of its mission is not only to preserve history but also to provide a research library and educate the public.
Located at 810 Main Street in the heart of Honesdale, the WCHS is housed in a building the D&H Canal Company built as its headquarters in 1860. This serves as a hub and contains a museum with an impressive collection of artifacts, including a replica of the Stourbridge Lion, the first locomotive in America to run on commercial track. A research library staffed with talented librarians is available to the public and offers an extensive archive that includes microfilm, books, files, and photographs.
The WCHS has preserved several historic sites for visitors to experience. These sites include Canal Park near Hawley, where they renovated the Daniel Farmhouse and built a replica canal boat to serve as a pavilion. The site sits along what used to be the D&H Canal. Other sites include the Old Stone Jail, Bethel School, and others.
Honesdale, Pennsylvania, has a fascinating history worth exploring and preserving. Anthracite coal’s discovery in the Pocono Mountains led to the town’s establishment in 1825. As a result, immigrants from all over the world built a canal conceived by the best engineers of the day. The canal fueled New York City and brought prosperity to Honesdale. Several other ventures were born from coal, including lumbering and glass manufacturing, that shaped and built the community we see today.
Members who belong to the society number over 600 and help fund the important work of this organization. Carol H. Dunn serves as the Executive Director and leads a talented and dedicated staff.
To learn more, visit: https://www.waynehistorypa.com. You can become a member and receive their quarterly newsletter while supporting their important ongoing passion to preserve history.
Written by Jane Bayly Vaughan
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