Avery-Stoss
WILKES-BARRE — Much of The Institute’s annual Indicators report examines economic trends, housing and infrastructure across the region, but those measures alone do not tell the full story of community well-being.
Arts, culture, recreation, entertainment and historic preservation also play important roles in shaping quality of life, according to Jill Avery-Stoss, president and CEO of The Institute.
“These aspects of our community can be difficult to measure systematically,” Avery-Stoss said. “However, they contribute significantly through economic activity, investment in the arts and the preservation of historic places and landscapes. Recreation, entertainment and cultural resources help make Northeastern Pennsylvania a more attractive place to live and work.”
In recent years, Avery-Stoss said the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to organizations and initiatives throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. She said investments in the arts help preserve local culture and history while encouraging new creative and cultural opportunities.
“Communities with strong arts programs often attract visitors, students and tourists, while also enhancing the character and vibrancy of local neighborhoods,” Avery-Stoss said.
Those resources also support tourism, an important part of the regional economy. In 2024, Avery-Stoss said visitor spending in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties surpassed $2.4 billion.
The benefits of that spending extend well beyond tourism-related businesses, creating economic impacts across multiple industries and communities. Avery-Stoss said Pennsylvania is experiencing record tourism growth, with statewide spending reaching its highest level in a decade and increasing in every regional county except Wyoming.
Avery-Stoss said Northeastern Pennsylvania is home to a diverse range of arts, entertainment and recreation venues, representing 19 distinct categories. These include museums, theaters, arcades, nature parks and many other attractions. Fitness and recreational sports centers are especially common throughout the region, as are golf courses and country clubs.
Historic preservation is another important component of the region’s cultural landscape. Avery-Stoss said Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties are home to 135 historical markers, representing nearly 5% of all markers in Pennsylvania.
Avery-Stoss said the four-county area also contains 9,011 above-ground historic resources, accounting for a notable share of the state’s historic buildings and sites. In addition, she said the region includes 229 historic district resources, comprising approximately 5% of Pennsylvania’s total number of these larger areas of historical significance.
“The value of humanities extends far beyond museums, parks and historical markers,” Avery-Stoss said. “These resources help tell the stories that communities share, fostering a sense of identity, connection and pride. Communities with stronger social and cultural ties tend to be more resilient. Supporting students pursuing humanities-related careers and increasing awareness of volunteer opportunities can help strengthen those connections and ensure these community assets continue to thrive.”
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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.