2025 LCHS President's Dinner

Join the Luzerne County Historical Society for a special evening celebrating the history and legacy of one of Wilkes-Barre’s earliest founders. We are thrilled to announce our President’s Dinner, generously hosted by LCHS Board President William Conyngham, to be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the elegant Grand Hall at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre.

The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Dayne Rugh, author and historian, on his acclaimed new book, John Durkee: The Forgotten Story of Connecticut’s Bold Man from Bean Hill. Mr. Rugh will explore the extraordinary life of John Durkee—a Revolutionary War patriot who laid out the city of Wilkes-Barre and named it in honor of British reformers John Wilkes and Isaac Barré. In addition to the evening’s presentation, guests will have the rare opportunity to view a selection of original artifacts from the Battle of Wyoming and the American Revolution era, drawn from the Luzerne County Historical Society’s collection. These powerful objects tell the local story of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring fight for independence in our region.

Books will be available for purchase at the event, and Mr. Rugh will be signing copies following the presentation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Westmoreland Club, 59 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, United States