Monroe County PA’s Historical Guardians

Monroe County PA is rich with history and building that will transport you back in time to when our country was young. There is no shortage of things to do in Stroudsburg PA. The Monroe Historical Society and it’s members are the curators of this rich areas historical landmarks and buildings. The Monroe County Historical Museum ensures that there is a place for citizens of this area to go and learn about their ancestors and be able to learn through seeing with their own eyes. You can learn an important part of Stroudsburg PA Civil War history and how it aided in the war efforts.

A Quick History of Stroudsburg’s Monroe County Historical Guardians

The Monroe County Historical Association is a relatively new group founded by the combining of the Monroe County Historical Society and the Monroe County Museum Association. The Monroe Historical Society was formed in 1921 and it’s museum and research library were located in the historic Stroud Mansion. The Monroe County Museum Association was incorporated in 1976 and located in the 1883 freight station of the New York, Susquehanna, and Western railroad. In 1981, the building – the Driebe Freight Station – was moved to its present location on Ann St in Stroudsburg. The two groups merged in 1990 and the Monroe County Historical Association was formed. They are now based out of the StroudMansion and look forward to educating the citizens of the area on the past while looking forward to the future.

The Goal of the Monroe County Historical Association

The Monroe County Historical Association’s main objectives are to promote and encourage the historical research and study of Monroe County Pennsylvania history by its citizens and other scholars. The continued task of collecting and preserving archived materials and historical artifacts that are found in and around the Monroe county region is done by it’s members. Finally, they strive to develop and present educational opportunities to all age groups, including on-site and out-reach programs. The continued growth of this noble organization depends solely upon the active participation and support of the citizens who now inhabit the Stroudsburg Borough and share an interest in the rich heritage of Monroe County.

Historical Gift Shops

Going to a gift shop in Monroe County. There are many around with historical significance, and for most it’s just one of those bucket list things to do in Tannersville PA in the winter or in Stroudsburg downtown in the summertime. You can find a one of a kind historical item that will make a great gift or souvenir. You can find history books and DVDs, out of print books, music, ornaments, clothing, and other memorabilia that will teach you and remind you of your time in the Poconos because of the Monroe County Historical Association.

The Stroud Mansion

To truly understand Stroudsburg PA history, you need to go to the name sake of the town. Flipping through old pictures of Stroudsburg PA is one thing, but to go and touch it is all together a different experience. The 12 room house was an imposing structure for its time. The structure was built in 1795 by Jacob Stroud, founder of Stroudsburg and a Revolutionary war colonel. The property remained in the Stroud family until 1893 and has served as a family home, boarding house, store, and town library. Since 1921 it has been apart of the Monroe County Historical Association.

The Stroud Mansion museum offers four floors of exhibit space highlighting the history of Monroe County. Permanent exhibits include artifacts that span local history, from the time of the local Native Americans to present day. Specialized collections and exhibits rotate throughout the year, focusing on the social, cultural, political and economic life of Monroe County. Featured rooms include an authentic Colonial-era cellar kitchen, the early 18th Century Stroud Room, and a Victorian parlor, as well as a tool & weapons room, antique toy room, and a textile collection.

The Stroud Mansion also houses the Elizabeth D. Walters Library, which has an extensive and unique collection of genealogical materials and local history resources. The library includes family files, census reports, church records, cemetery listings, newspaper clippings and more.

Here are a few attractions that you can visit while in Monroe County or read about on the website.

Stroud Mansion & Elizabeth D. Walters Library
900 Main St Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Hours: Tuesday- Friday 10am-4pm
First and third Saturdays 10am-4pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Guided Tours Available – Yes

Bell School
6183 Cherry Valley Rd Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Currently Closed
Guided Tours Available – No

Driebe Freight Station
537 Ann Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Thursday-Friday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Guided Tours Available – No

You can read the newsletter on the website at https://www.monroehistorical.org/fanlight.html

Next Stroudsburg Point of Interest – Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau