Irem Temple Restoration Project’s University 2nd Semester event Thursday

WILKES-BARRE — The Irem Temple Restoration Project held a sneak preview Wednesday of the University, 2nd Semester event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday , Aug. 1 , in the Grand Hall at the Westmoreland Club.

A group of local historians offered presentations for those who are unable to attend Thursday evening’s event.

Christian Wielage, Chair of the Irem Temple Restoration board, said the event will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about the history of the Haudenosaunee 6 Nations from lacrosse legend Gewas Schindler, who is part Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk. Tony Brooks and Clark Switzer, two renowned NEPA historians, will also present on the founding of Wilkes-Barre through the aftermath of the American Revolution.

New to ITRP University is Denise Dennis, the CEO of the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust, the longest continuously owned African American farm. She will share the story of the “Black Yankees” who fought for freedom and shared in the early promise of a better nation.

“We’ve revamped the format to allow for discussions with our expert presenters, so you can ask questions or brainstorm future projects without missing any of the exciting narrative,” Wielage said. “We’ll also unveil projects being developed for the museum in collaboration with other local history and education organizations. We aim to launch the NEPA Heritage Center in 2026 and make it a world-class venue at the grand opening.”

The Irem Temple Restoration Project Board will highlight recent progress and outline the capital campaign aimed at completing construction by 2025.

Scholarships are available for high school and college students actively working on a project with the Irem Temple. To start your own partnership (and get into the event for free), email [email protected] .