Organized in 1917 and incorporated in 1922, The Wayne County Historical Society aims to: collect and preserve historical records of persons, places, and events in Wayne County, PA; preserve and maintain a research library and museums of relics, books, maps, paintings, and all other articles which further public interest in the history of Wayne County, PA; make every effort to preserve and restore historical buildings, landmarks, and sites within Wayne County, PA; and educate the population of the history of the Wayne County, PA, area and its historic value.
Wayne County Historical Society highlights include…
Their Historic D & H Site – The Wayne County Historical Society’s main museum collection and exhibits have their home in the historic 1860 building that formerly housed the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company office. The canal and the company’s gravity railroad began at the building’s back door. This is why, in 1968, the location was designated a National Historic Landmark. The Wayne County Historical Society has maintained the historic site and made it open to the public since 1939.
The Museum’s Permanent Exhibits – The Society’s main museum features multiple permanent exhibits, including Faces in Clay, a 4,600+ piece archaeology collection embodying the region’s Native American influence, Movin’ Energy: The History of the Delaware and Hudson Canal 1828-1898, featuring the Society’s prized life-size replica of the Stourbridge Lion Steam Locomotive, and Wayne County’s Glass: Window Panes to White House Crystal, showcasing 156 pieces of glass all produced in Wayne County from the 1820s to the 1980s.
D & H Canal Park at Lock 31 – Located directly on Route 6 near Hawley, PA, D & H Canal Park at Lock 31 features 16 acres of canal and landscape, a mile-long towpath trail, and the restored 1820s Daniel Farmhouse.
The Torrey Building – The small brick building immediately to the north was saved from demolition by the Society and moved to its present site in 1981. Built in 1830, the Torrey building is one of the oldest brick buildings in the county and was originally used as a land office of Jason Torrey, the county’s first surveyor. Now, it provides the D & H building with some additional exhibit, storage, and office space.
The Bethel School – Visit the Bethel School to visualize what a day at school was like with eight grades in one room, with one teacher, and no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing! The Berlin Township one-room country schoolhouse, built before 1872 and closed in 1951, has been restored and maintained by the Wayne County Historical Society since, and offers a great space for public events throughout the summer and fall.
The Old Stone Jail – Stop by the Old Stone Jail and see what it was like to do “hard time” in the 1800s. The imposing stone building has been the setting for many of life’s comedies and tragedies over its 150 years—including several escapes, multiple suicides, hangings for unspeakable crimes, and the birth of a baby whose mother was being held for the murder of her husband! An article in the April 7, 1859 issue of the Wayne County Herald declared, “We admonish all evildoers to keep out of this jail if they wish to enjoy their liberty, for if they get behind the double iron doors, they will be hopelessly fast until released by due course of law”. The Old Stone Jail is open to the public for free tours on the second Saturday of each month, June through October, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or for group tours by appointment.
Main Museum Hours:
May 4th through December 28th, Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
