Stoy Museum

The Stoy Museum is housed in the Lebanon County Historical Society building located at 924 Cumberland Street in Lebanon, 1/2 block west of the intersection of Route 422 West (Cumberland Street) and Route 72 North (Ninth Street). The building contains three floors and is half a city block long. Also located there is the Hauck Research Archives, the Reese Memorial Hall, and the museum Gift Shop.

The original front portion of the Stoy Museum was built in 1773 as a home for Dr. William Henry Stoy, a local minister and prominent Revolutionary War doctor. The upstairs rooms were used as Lebanon County's first courthouse when the county was established in 1813. James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States, practiced law there as a young attorney. John Andrew Shulze was the new county's first prothonotary and later became the sixth Governor of Pennsylvania.

Throughout the museum, visitors will find fine examples of Pennsylvania German craftsmanship in such items as furniture, quilting and weaving, fraktur, and redware. A guided tour of the museum begins with a stroll through several early shops and offices. Young and old enjoy browsing in the one-room schoolhouse and the toy shop before experiencing a turn-of-the century general store, stocked with everything from cookie cutters to kerosene lamps.

Community industries such as blacksmithing, farming and milling, carpentry, weaving, printing, shoemaking, and mining are exhibited as they were found throughout the area many years ago. Each exhibit provides insight into the lives of the men and women who built our strong nation. From war memorabilia to railroading to 18th Century firefighting equipment, a tour of the Stoy Museum offers a delightful and informative experience for everyone.

Explore Related Categories