Mission Statement
Eckley Miners’ Village educates the public about the story of anthracite coal mining along with patch towns and their residents through the preservation and exploration of the site and its collection.
Eckley Miners’ Village celebrates the blue-collar spirit of the region and brings to life the realities of anthracite coal mining in NEPA. This rural, early-industrial community is dedicated to preserving the lives of thousands of families who labored to build the nation through the industrial revolution. Eckley serves to foster an appreciation of the hardships endured in pursuit of the “American Dream.”
Founded in 1854, Eckley Miners’ Village is an example of a planned nineteenth century coal mining town. Also known as a “patch town”, it provided mining families with the basic necessities such as housing and medical care. The village also includes a store, a school and churches. Coal companies often constructed industrial communities like Eckley to keep their employees close to the collieries and mines. Such mining towns were built to attract other mining families to live and work among the coal fields of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Many immigrants who came to America hoped to work in the mines just long enough to save money, buy land and return to the farming lifestyle they had known in Europe. However, once they became part of the company-owned system, very few were able to escape the years of poverty and hardship that faced them. The story of the Eckley village and the people who lived and worked in it is one of dynamic economic and social change.
Beginning more than 160 years ago, Eckley exemplifies the roar and conflict of the anthracite coal industry, which almost singlehandedly fueled the early stages of America’s industrial revolution.
Explore The Village
Fully experience their exhibit hall and historic village through tours. Mark your calendars for some of Eckley’s exciting upcoming events. You can virtually explore the community through photos and oral histories as well.
Become A Volunteer
Volunteering at Eckley Miners’ Village is a family-friendly way to connect with the past. Serve your community by leading tours, planning special events, demonstrating traditional crafts, fundraising and collecting donations, or interpreting our 100-acre open-air museum for diverse audiences. After all: it takes a village!
