The Irem Temple Restoration Project has taken on the mission of preserving Wilkes-Barre’s 117-year-old Irem Temple. The group aims to restore this historical and architectural marvel of the Wyoming Valley while also transforming it into a mixed-use community event venue for entertainment and social/educational gatherings.
Follow this blog to learn more about the project and how you can become a part of the story.
Restoration, Revitalization and a Spark of Progress in Downtown Wilkes-Barre
At the Irem Temple Restoration Project, we are thrilled to embark on an ambitious journey to breathe new life into one of Wilkes-Barre’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1907, the Irem Temple stands as a testament to Moorish Revival architecture with its four towering minarets and large stained-glass dome. This spectacular building, a treasure of our historic district, has been listed on the National Historic Registry and holds a special place in the hearts of our community.
Our vision is to transform the Irem Temple into a vibrant center for heritage tourism and community engagement.
By restoring the main auditorium to its original flat-floored configuration, we aim to create a versatile event space that can host everything from weddings and farmers’ markets to trade shows and national touring acts. This multi-use space will complement existing downtown venues and provide an unparalleled event and performance space in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
A new look at NEPA history.
In addition to the event space, we are excited to develop a first-class museum and virtual learning experience within the remaining 16,000 square feet of the former temple. Our plans include learning kiosks, digital interactive displays, and immersion booths that can show video in 180 degrees, transporting visitors through time to significant moments in our regional history. From the Battle of Wyoming and the life of miners underground and family life above ground to the Haudenosaunee influence and the industrial revolution, our exhibits will capture the imagination and educate visitors about the rich tapestry of our past. Artifacts and pictures will be displayed throughout, with the flexibility to be reoriented for specific events and educational programs.
Our First Collaborating Organizations
We are delighted to announce that our first two collaborating organizations are the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust and the Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society. Their support and shared vision are instrumental in driving this project forward, and we are excited about the potential for future collaborations. Additionally, we are working on about a dozen collaboration agreements with organizations throughout NEPA and the Haudenosaunee Cultural Centers in upstate New York, each bringing unique expertise and resources to enrich our project.
An Invitation to Collaborate
We believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of our success, and we are eager to partner with local museums, historical societies, high schools, colleges, drama groups, and vendors. Your expertise, resources, and passion for history and education can help us realize our vision for the Irem Temple.
We invite you to be part of this exciting initiative.
Whether you can make a donation, contribute artifacts, provide educational programs, or collaborate on events, your involvement is invaluable. Please contact us at info@iremtemplerestorationproject.com to discuss how we can work together and make history come alive at the Irem Temple.
Let’s preserve our heritage while we build a brighter future together.
Featured image (top) courtesy of Irem Temple Restoration Project.
