Impact

Foot traffic

Hundreds of visitors each year

The Waverly Walking Tour attracts visitors all year round with a heightened level of activity during the spring and summer months. Hundreds of individuals have experienced the tour either through school groups, family visits, organizational tours or social clubs. Many have taken advantage of the self-guided tours.

National recognition

Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

In 2022, the Destination Freedom Underground Railroad Program became part of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom; its mission is to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. With this addition, Lackawanna County now has two affiliated National Parks Service locations within its borders.

Funds raised

Over $10,000.00 per year

The Waverly Walking Tour is priced to be affordable yet self-sustaining. We look to cover expenses and also grow the program. The tours are priced based on the number of visitors per tour. We look to raised at least $10,000.00 per year through paid visits, donations and sponsorships.

Partners + sponsors

  • Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area
  • Peoples Security Bank and Trust, 5 Year Leadership Sponsor
  • Honesdale National Bank
  • Fidelity Bank
  • Weis Markets
  • SofterWare, Inc.
  • National Park Service Network to Freedom Program

Lectures given

  • Frederick Douglas and Northeastern Pennsylvania
  • Daughters of the American Revolution
  • Memorial Day Celebration of the Sons of Union Veterans
  • The Phelps Mansion Museum, Binghamton, NY

Groups we’ve hosted

The Waverly Community House through the Waverly Walking Tour has expanded its reach since its inception, impacting visitors of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to private tours, the Tour has hosted the following groups, among others:

  • Abington Community Library
  • American Institute of Architects
  • Black Scranton Project
  • Confederation of Union Generals
  • Daughters of the American Revolution
  • Keystone College Men’s Basketball
  • Lackawanna Historical Society
  • Newton Ransom Elementary School
  • Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office
  • Scranton Kiwanis Club
  • South Abington Elementary School
  • Temple Israel Scranton
  • Waverly Elementary School
  • Wilkes University

Destination Freedom is eligible to receive EITC funding through the state of Pennsylvania.

Learn more about donations here