WEATHERLY, PA — The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) has unveiled plans for an extensive upgrade project at Eckley Miners’ Village, a critical site commemorating Pennsylvania’s Anthracite mining heritage. The multi-phase initiative will focus on constructing a new coal breaker modeled after the 1915 Eckley breaker, enhancing both the historical authenticity of the site and the visitor experience.
The project begins this winter with the clearing and regrading of the breaker site. Upon completion, a modern structure reminiscent of the original coal breaker will stand as a visual centerpiece of Eckley Miners’ Village. This addition is a significant milestone in the ongoing conservation efforts to preserve and interpret the lives and stories of the Anthracite miners who once lived and worked there.
The village, originally built to serve the transient needs of coal mining operations, has lost several structures over time, including its breaker. However, thanks to PHMC’s dedication and support from the community, many of the original homes and buildings have been preserved. The forthcoming breaker will complement these efforts, reintroducing a vital component of the village’s historical narrative.
Beyond its role in historical storytelling, the new breaker will also house a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility for artifact storage. This space will allow for the preservation and expansion of the village’s valuable collections, which include materials representing the region’s mining, industrial, and social histories. The breaker will serve as both a symbol of Eckley’s past and a resource for future generations, creating enriching educational opportunities for visitors and researchers alike.
“We are excited to embark on this transformative project,” said Bode Morin, Site Administrator for Eckley Miners’ Village. “The new coal breaker will not only honor the rich history of coal mining in Northeast Pennsylvania but also provide a valuable educational and collections resource for visitors of all ages.”
The construction of the upgraded breaker has been made possible through Commonwealth capital project funding. PHMC emphasized that this initiative represents a strategic investment in preserving one of the last remaining company patch towns in the United States.
Eckley Miners’ Village operates as a living history museum, offering a rare and immersive glimpse into the lives of 19th and 20th-century Anthracite coal miners and their families. Its preserved homes, churches, and landscapes provide a moving testament to the industrial communities that played a major role in Pennsylvania’s economy and culture.
This significant undertaking not only exemplifies the state’s efforts to preserve its unique heritage but also strengthens Eckley’s role as a key cultural destination. Moving forward, the PHMC’s efforts to enhance the site’s educational, historical, and cultural value will ensure that the stories of Pennsylvania’s mining legacy endure for future generations.
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