Carbondale Historical Society and Museum facts for kids
The Carbondale Historical Society is a special group in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, USA. It helps to save and share the history of Carbondale and the areas around it. They have a museum on the third floor of the Carbondale City Hall building.
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How the Society Started
The Carbondale Historical Society began in October 1974. A small group of six teachers from the Carbondale area wanted to make sure their town's history was remembered. Their first public meeting was in January 1975.
At that time, the Carbondale City Hall building was in bad shape. Some people thought it should be torn down. But others believed the building was very important. They formed a group called the Committee to Restore Carbondale City Hall.
Since both groups cared about Carbondale's history and its important buildings, they decided to join forces. On November 6, 1982, the Historical Society and the Committee merged. They became the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum. They officially became an organization on March 15, 1983. Their main goal is to collect, keep, and share the history of Carbondale and its nearby areas.
What the Museum Offers Today
The Carbondale Historical Society and Museum is located on the third floor of Carbondale City Hall. This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 6, 1983, thanks to the Society's efforts.
The museum has a special research center where you can learn about local history and your family's past. They also have galleries with exhibits. The Society hosts public talks, events, and special displays. They also hold ceremonies in the community and at schools. This helps everyone learn about Carbondale's past and its special heritage.
Museum Collections
One of the biggest achievements of the Historical Society is creating a well-organized museum. The museum has many important items. It is especially rich in two areas:
- Anthracite Coal Mining: This shows the history of coal mining in the area.
- Railroad History: This focuses on the Delaware and Hudson Railway. The museum has so many railroad items that a part of its collection is like a special Delaware and Hudson transportation museum.
The museum also has many items from the 1800s and early 1900s. To show these items, the Society has set up a "Victorian parlor." This is a room decorated like a living room from the Victorian era. It helps visitors imagine what life was like back then.
Research and Old Records
The Society has a large collection of old records. These include birth and death records, cemetery records, and church records from the area. All the old newspapers they have, from the 1820s until today, have been put on microfilm. You can look at these microfilms at the Carbondale Public Library to do your own research.
Local History Awards Program
The Society started its Local History Awards program in the 2009–2010 school year. This program encourages high school students (juniors and seniors) to study and help record history.
In its first two years, the program was only at Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School. The Society hopes to expand it to other schools in the future.
See also
- List of historical societies in Pennsylvania
