History & Culture
Alexander Schaeffer House and Farm
Schaefferstown, PA – To step back in time, visit Historic Schaefferstown (HSI). The Pennsylvania German and Swiss cultures, which flourished here during the last few centuries, are authentically presented among several historic sites
Cornwall Iron Furnace
Cornwall, PA – It is difficult to imagine that this quiet cluster of beautiful buildings nestled in the rolling hills of Lebanon County was once the home of a fire-breathing blast furnace with an insatiable appetite for rocks and wood!
Fort Indiantown Gap
Annville, PA – The elaborate Pennsylvania Veterans’ Memorial is the largest monument in VA’s National cemeteries. The combination open-air space and building stands 107 feet high and 360 feet long. Its design evokes “the ruins of a war-torn building centered in a land of solemnity.”
Isaac Meier Homestead
Myerstown, PA – The Isaac Meier Homestead is a large limestone dwelling located along route 501 in Myerstown. Originally built by Valentine Herckelrod in 1738, it was purchased by his son-in-law, Isaac Meier, in 1757. What Meier did architecturally to the house is a prime significance for understanding the history and development of material culture in 18th century Pennsylvania. The eastern part of the house remains Germanic in detail but the western half is composed of parlors, bedrooms and a central hall all of which exhibit an English Georgian influence inspired buy Palladian architecture. The Meier Homestead is being preserved for appreciation of local heritage.
Informational tours of this historic property are given on the Second Saturday of each month, April through October, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of September.
Mt. Gretna Area Historical Society
Mt. Gretna, PA – The Society is charged with preserving the heritage of the entire Mount Gretna area
PA National Guard Military Museum
Annville, PA – The Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum is located on Service Road at Fort Indiantown Gap in a two-story barracks built in 1941. It showcases items and weapons from the Civil War to the Gulf War, as well as items that depict the history of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Fort Indiantown Gap.
The Our Lady of Victory Chapel was moved in the fall of 2012 to the Museum site. Also known also as the 109th Infantry Regimental Chapel, began life as a one room school and was converted into a Catholic Chapel in the early 40s. Open Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Directions: Rte 934 to stop light, turn right onto Service Road. Museum on right past Wiley Road.
The Lebanon County Historical Society
Lebanon, PA – The Lebanon County Historical Society was organized in 1898 by a group of interested local citizens and amateur historians. The Society was considered the county’s attic until 1935, when the group offered its first public exhibits. Today, the LCHS is a place where residents and visitors alike can experience our history first-hand, as well as conduct their own historical research and have access to related gifts and souvenirs. The LCHS is truly one of Lebanon County’s hidden gems.
The Stoy Museum
Lebanon, PA – Constructed in 1773 as a home for Dr. William Henry Stoy and later serving as Lebanon County’s first courthouse, the museum’s exhibits include fine examples of everyday living from the 19th and 20th Century: a pharmacy, general store, parlor, toy shop, ladies’ fashions and more. Guided tours only; it is requested that groups of more than 6 schedule their tours in advance. A typical tour lasts about 1 1/2-hours.
The Union Canal Tunnel Park
Lebanon, PA – Situated on 109 acres of meadows and woods, you will find the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the U.S – The Union Canal. The Tunnel was completed in 1827 and today is a treasured National Historic Landmark.
