Our mission is to preserve and celebrate the history of Greene and Dreher Townships and the people who lived here, and to assure that their legacy is passed on to future generations. Many people share our vision and are dedicated to ensuring our success. Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our members, volunteers, donors and business partners. The 2025 Annual Report is a way for the Board of Directors 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, reflect the history of our residents over time, or have a connection to an important event or prominent person. Our permanent collection includes artifacts, photographs, archives and a library of early books, ledgers, genealogies, pamphlets and other publications.
We share our collected objects through rotating displays and exhibits at Peggy Bancroft Hall and Museum and at Wallenpaupack South Elementary School (WSES). “Welcome to Lenapehoking” featuring a Lenapehoking map and Lenape related artifacts are on display at WSES and our museum.
During open houses and special events, visitors tour our barn to see our growing collection of farming, agricultural and manufacturing tools and equipment. The root cellar (original to the property), outhouse and icehouse further interpret farm life c. 1900.
The F. A. Madden Factory exhibit located in the Society’s barn is an important exhibit with original equipment and wood products. The exhibit tells the story of the once vibrant Newfoundland factory that employed dozens of local people producing thousands of toy tops, yo-yos and other turned wood products.
A $3,000 grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) was used to pave the handicap parking area and pavilion floor.
Legacy Fund
To ensure our future financial stability, the Historical Society established a Legacy Fund in 2020 which is managed by the WCCF. 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.
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.”
To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the 1955 Flood, we designed an outdoor interpretive sign highlighting the devastation that claimed the lives of ten Greentown residents, which was unveiled at a public event in Cykosky Park in Greentown on August 23. In conjunction with the event, we published The Flood of 1955 Remembered – 70 Year Commemoration. We also designed a second outdoor interpretive sign in the Park which depicts businesses and residences in Greentown c. 1900 – 1930. We appreciate Greene Township Supervisors’ assistance installing the signs.
Digital media — Local history articles are on our website, and video recordings of recent presentations have had hundreds of views on our YouTube channel.
Facebook — With more than 1100 followers, our Facebook page keeps subscribers up-to-date on what’s happening at GDHS.
Cemeteries and Genealogy
The Society Cemetery Preservation Fund, supported by donors and targeted fundraising activities, preserves three abandoned cemeteries (Hazelton, Wolfe, and Kipptown) and the Society’s Gilpin Cemetery. Freeman the Treeman removed more than a dozen trees around Gilpin Cemetery which endangered grave markers at no charge.
Programs
Through presentations, museum tours, seminars, and special events, we 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 the school.
Some of our significant programs in 2025 were:
- Donated 350 copies of Greene-Dreher in the Great War, published by GDHS in 2019, to Wallenpaupack Area High School for incorporation into the 10th grade history curriculum.
- Hosted Carla Messinger, Lenape cultural educator and Director of Native American Programs, who presented an interactive program in May for 3rd grade students at Wallenpaupack South Elementary School.
- Coordinated a “Local History Day” at the museum for WSES 4th grade students, teachers, and aides in May where they participated in hands-on workshops and learned about early agriculture and farm life.
- Organized the successful fundraisers and friend-raisers, including bus trips to Hudson River Valley and Wilkes-Barre; July and October Open Houses.
- Offered a six-week series of Local History Seminars featuring historians and subject matter experts with an average attendance of 30 people.
- Held two Open Houses at the museum, in July and October.
- Partnered with Monroe County Penn State Extension to present a well-attended “Home Food Preservation Class”.
- Participated in the following annual events: “Taste of the Poconos”; “Local History Day” at Promised Land State Park; “Books and Bakes — Local Author Book Festival” at the Newfoundland Public Library.
- Gave presentation on local history at Newfoundland Rotary Club.
These events strengthen our community ties, attract thousands of visitors each year and serve as a venue for showcasing GDHS and Greene-Dreher history.