Our Annual Report is a comprehensive way for the Greene-Dreher Historical Society directors, members, and supporters to take stock of the past year and all that was accomplished.
by Bernadine Lennon
Museum and Collections
The Historical Society collects objects that were created here and reflect the history of our residents over time, or that have a connection to an important local event or prominent person. Our permanent collection includes artifacts, photographs, archives and a library of early books, ledgers, genealogies, pamphlets and other publications. We received many artifacts this year which were accessioned and catalogued, including a rare Magic Lantern (kerosene lantern used to project glass slide images) used by the Patriotic Order Sons of America. We share our collections through rotating displays and exhibits at Peggy Bancroft Hall and Museum and at the Wallenpaupack South Elementary School in Newfoundland. We installed two new exhibits, “Welcome to Lenapehoking” featuring a Lenapehoking map and Lenape-related artifacts, at both sites. The F. A. Madden Factory exhibit was completed and installed in the Society’s exhibit barn adjacent to the museum. This important exhibit with original equipment and wood products tells the story of the once vibrant factory that employed dozens of local people and manufactured thousands of toy tops, yo-yos and other turned wood products.
New Construction
To accommodate our growing collection of manufacturing and agriculture artifacts, a 20’ x 24’ extension was built onto the barn to increase display area. We appreciate Rotary Club of Newfoundland’s generous support for this project.
Legacy Fund
To ensure our future financial stability, the Historical Society established a Legacy Fund in 2020 which is managed by the Wayne County Community Foundation. Our members have embraced this opportunity to make a lasting impact to the Society.
Publishing
Our publications add much to our knowledge and understanding of Greene-Dreher history.
Quarterly Newlsetter — Echoes from the Greene Hills — Available in print or digital format, our newsletter contains announcements about the Society, its programs and activities, recent additions to its collections, spotlight on volunteers, new members, Business Partners, and “Stories from the Past,” a selection of articles written and submitted by our members covering a variety of topics, and illustrated with photographs and images from the Society’s archives. The articles have sparked many memories and conversations which, when shared with the editor, are published under “Member Musings.”
Books — Our new publication “Historic Cemeteries of the Wallenpaupack Valley” debuted. The book documents the history, notable interments, and unique grave markers in cemeteries surrounding Lake Wallenpaupack.
Outdoor Interpretive Signs — Funded by Brookfield Renewable, we designed an outdoor interpretive sign for Ledgedale Recreation Area to highlight the rich history of Ledgedale, from the mid-19th Century leather tanning industry to the creation of Lake Wallenpaupack in the 1920s.
Digital Media — Local history articles are on our website, and video recordings of recent presentations have had hundreds of views on our YouTube channel.
Social Media — With more than 900 engaged followers, our Facebook page keeps subscribers up to date on what’s happening at GDHS.
Cemeteries and Genealogy
Several years ago, the Society established a special Cemetery Preservation Fund supported by donors as well as targeted fundraising activities. We use these funds to operate a Cemetery Preservation Program for four abandoned cemeteries—Gilpin, Hazelton, Wolfe, and Kipptown Cemeteries. Their grounds are maintained on a regular basis by volunteers with our Adopt-A-Cemetery Program and with plantings through our partnership with local Girl Scouts.
Programs
We organize presentations, tours, and special events to engage and educate people of all ages about local history. Since 2002, we have partnered with Wallenpaupack Area School District to support their local history curriculum through field trips to our museum, guest speakers, and exhibits at Wallenpaupack South Elementary School (WSES).
To raise awareness of the “first” people who inhabited the Wallenpaupack Valley, we hosted a representative from the Lenape Nation who presented “The Past and Present of the Lenape Nation in Pennsylvania” for students at WSES and adults at Peggy Bancroft Hall.
Our bus trips to historic sites in the Hudson River Valley in June and Scranton in October were sold out making them successful “friend raisers” as well as fundraisers.
Volunteers represented the Society at the annual Taste of the Poconos hosted by Newfoundland Area Public Library, Canal Festival sponsored by Wayne County Historical Society, and Local History Day at Promised Land State Park. These events attract thousands of visitors each year and serve as a venue for showcasing GDHS and Greene-Dreher history.
We completed the two-year Pennsylvania State Historical and Archival Records Care grant which funded the translation and transcription of 700 pages of letters written by Hopedale Moravian Church pastors to their Bishop in Bethlehem. A summary of the grant project was presented by the grant writer and member Diane Smith. The Hopedale Collection of letters is available to the public online at PA Power Library.
Members and Supporters
There are many people who share our vision and are dedicated to ensuring the Society succeeds and moves forward. None of our work would be possible without the generous support of our members, volunteers, donors, and our 19 Business Partners.