Founded on February 11, 1858, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the first successful burning of anthracite coal by Jesse Fell, the organization is one of the oldest continually operating local historical societies in America.

The organization operate the historic Swetland Home in Wyoming, Pennsylvania and also adminsters the Nathan Dennison home.

The group also operates a musuem and separate research library in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The group also officially operates as the Luzerne County Historical Society]].

^*

oscar Jewel Harvey, The History of Wilkes-Barre and Wyoming Valley