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Upcoming Event

Historic House Bus Tour

September 20, 2025, 9:00am to 3:00pm
Nathan and Elizabeth Denison House, Forty Fort

Please join us for a day to the “Diamond City” (Wilkes-Barre) where we travel from colonial times to Victorian high society. The first stop will be the Luzerne County Historical Society where our guides will take us to the historic Denison House (c. 1790), home to Revolutionary War officer and Luzerne County Judge Col. Nathan Denison. The Denison House features a table on which the Articles of Capitulation were signed, surrendering Forty Fort to the British and ending the Battle of Wyoming. The second stop will be the historic Swetland House (c. 1803–1813) where generations of the Swetland Family lived until 1958 when it was donated to the Luzerne County Historical Society.

Traveling in time 100 years from the Colonial Period to Victorian Era will take us to the Mary Stegmaier Mansion for High Tea at Noon. This historic destination was constructed in 1911 and emulates the timeless elegance that dominated the Wilkes-Barre area in the early 20th century. Architects Knapp & Bosworth designed the mansion to display the essence of luxury that fell in line with the trends of the time, which continue to live on today. The intricate woodwork, grand staircase, and breathtaking solarium contribute to the attractive elements that Wilkes-Barre natives take pride in. Today, the Mary Stegmaier Mansion is fully restored and serves as a venue for events ranging from specialty teas, banquets and weddings. 

Participants will travel by school bus and will depart from Dutch’s Market parking lot at 8:45 am and return to the same location at 5:00 pm. Please check this site for more information on how to register for the tour and its cost.