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 tour will be narrated by docents from the Luzerne County Historical Society.
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.
The all-inclusive cost for transportation, admission fees, and the High Tea luncheon is $90.00 for Historical Society members and $95.00 for nonmembers. Reservations must be made not later than September 12, 2025 and are not refundable after that date. For menu information and to request a reservation form, please contact Bernadine Lennon at [email protected] or 570-857-0882.
Itinerary
8:45 – Depart Dutch’s Market Parking Lot; participants will travel by school bus.
9:45 – 11:45 – Tour the Denison House and the Swetland House
12:30 – 3:00 – High Tea at the Mary Stegmaier Mansion
5:00 – Return to Dutch’s Market Parking Lot
The Wilkes-Barre Historic House Bus Tour is sponsored by our Business Partner, Roadside Bistro
