The Monroe County Historical Association is pleased to announce a free program open to the public. Local historian Peter Gonze will give a presentation titled, "Promised Land and the Civilian Conservation Corp." This program is part of the popular Third Thursday Lecture Series and will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Barrett Township Municipal Building, 1200 Rt 390, Cresco.

Between 1933 and 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps, a federally-funded organization, employed 3 million young men and 8,500 young women and helped buffer millions of people from the starvation and poverty of the Great Depression. The men and women of the CCC worked on projects to improve America's public lands, forests, and parks. They planted 3.5 billion trees to combat soil erosion and forest fires and to protect against future Dust Bowl disasters.

Locally, 1,500 men served at Promised Land in Pike County, 10 miles north of Canadensis, along Pennsylvania Route 390. They helped transform the area, leaving a legacy of beautiful, forested lands for recreation and wildlife. The program ended as the country began preparing to enter World War II. But in the CCC, a generation of young people found purpose, learned a trade and the satisfaction of useful work, and made friendships that lasted for life.

The Third Thursday Lecture Series is free, but reservations are suggested due to limited space. To reserve your spot or for additional information, please contact the Monroe County Historical Association office at (570) 421-7703 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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