Mission Statement
The purpose and objectives of the Wayne County Historical Society, as stated in its by-laws, are to collect and preserve historical records of persons, places, and events in Wayne County; to preserve and maintain a research library and museums of relics, books, maps, paintings, and all other articles which further public interest in Wayne County’s history; to make every effort to preserve and restore historical buildings, landmarks, and sites; and to educate the population of the history of the area and its historical value.
Wayne County Historical Society | Preserving Rail, Coal & Canal History in Honesdale
The Wayne County Historical Society in Honesdale preserves the region’s industrial heritage and community stories through engaging exhibits and a growing collection of historical resources. The society is home to a full-size replica of the Stourbridge Lion, the first locomotive to run on commercial track in the United States—an engineering feat that took place in Honesdale in 1829.
Historic Buildings & Museum Complex
The Main Museum and museum shop are located in a historic 1860 building once used as the headquarters for the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. This site connected directly to the D&H Gravity Railroad, which carried anthracite coal from Lackawanna County mines to Honesdale. The canal then transported coal to the Hudson River at Rondout, New York. Today, the museum showcases this important transportation history.
Visitors can also explore the Marjorie Smith Glass Gallery, which connects the main building to the Jason Torrey land office—once home to one of the county’s earliest business leaders. Four additional buildings now support the Society’s expanding exhibits and research materials at the 810 Main Street campus.
Research Library & Digital Archives
The Society’s Research Library offers access to extensive archives, including rare books, genealogy records, microfilm and over 12,000 searchable photographs. Guests can explore these resources using advanced tools like the ViewScan III microfilm reader, making historical research more accessible than ever.
The Wayne County Historical Society in Honesdale keeps local history alive through exhibits, archival collections and preserved historic structures.
Jail Tales at the Old Stone Jail
Old Jail Museum
