carbondale historical society and museum

Planning a trip to Carbondale, PA soon? How exciting! There are so many things to do and places to explore in and around our city. One of our favorite places to visit is the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum!

If you’re a history lover, you won’t want to miss this iconic spot! Carbondale might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of historic destinations, but this charming town has a fascinating past. Once a booming center of the anthracite coal industry and a key player in the early days of the railroad, Carbondale helped shape Pennsylvania’s industrial history. Learn all about how Carbondale came to be, and the important people and places of its past during your trip!

Follow along as we explore the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum!

How Long Has the Museum Been Open?

The Carbondale Historical Society has been open since October 1974! Six schoolteachers formed the society with the goal of preserving and celebrating local history. In 1982, the official Carbondale Historical Society and Museum was formed.

When Can I Visit?

The museum is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Where Is It?

The museum is located on the third floor of Carbondale City Hall (1 North Main Street) and has three galleries open to the public.

What Exhibits Can I See at the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum?

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit here! As you walk through the museum, you’ll see a series of artifacts from Carbondale’s past, including vintage photographs, documents, and personal items from citizens who once lived here.

The museum also has many items that honor Carbondale’s rich history related to coal mining and railroads. It was home to one of the first deep underground mines in the U.S., and coal from this region fueled homes, industries, and railroads across the country.

The Carbondale Historical Museum does a fantastic job of bringing this history to life. It’s not every day that you get an inside look at what it was like to live and work in a coal town during its peak!

Is the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum Family-Friendly?

Yes! Kids will love visiting the museum. We recommend taking your older children here as they might better appreciate the history, but children of all ages will love seeing artifacts like the steam engines and hearing stories from the past.

How Much is Admission?

Admission to the museum is free! It does run on donations, so any support is welcome. You can donate or become a member on their website.

Book Your Stay in Carbondale Directly at Hotel Anthracite!

Hotel Anthracite King Room

Yay! Visiting this local museum is sure to be a fun day for the whole family. After an exciting day, head back to a hotel room that feels like a home away from home.

Hotel Anthracite has everything you need on your trip to Carbondale! We have a wide range of amenities, including an onsite restaurant, fitness center, and more. Browse our available rooms now and book your trip to Carbondale directly at Hotel Anthracite!