Eckley Miners' Village

Eckley Miners’ Village | Celebrate the Blue-Collar Spirit of Northeastern PA

Eckley Miners’ Village, located in Foster Township, Pennsylvania, is an authentic 19th-century company mining town that offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of working-class families who were instrumental in fueling America’s industrial growth. Established in 1854, Eckley exemplifies a “patch town,” a community owned by a coal company to house its workers.

Perched atop a mountain ridge in the heart of the world’s largest anthracite coal region, Eckley Miners’ Village was one of many company-owned mining towns that emerged across Northeastern Pennsylvania during the 19th century. These towns were constructed to enforce strict industrial discipline, reflecting the considerable power wielded by coal companies at the time. However, they also highlight how working families sought to carve out areas of independence within a challenging environment. As a symbol of NEPA’s coal mining past, Eckley preserves the legacy of those who helped shape NEPA’s industrial and cultural identity.

Visitor Information

Today, Eckley Miners’ Village functions as a museum dedicated to preserving the history and experiences of immigrant anthracite coal miners and their families. Visitors can explore the village’s original structures, including miners’ houses, churches, and the company store—historic sites that offer insight into daily life during the coal industry’s heyday. The museum offers guided tours that last approximately one and a half hours, providing an in-depth look at the village’s historical and cultural significance.

Eckley Miners’ Village also hosts various events throughout the year, such as Patchtown Days, which celebrates the rich traditions, heritage, and contributions of NEPA’s mining communities. Additionally, the village is developing a Research & Learning Center aimed at fostering hands-on learning and innovation, ensuring that knowledge about Northeastern Pennsylvania’s industrial past remains within the community.

Eckley Miners’ Village preserves the grit, pride and cultural legacy of NEPA’s coal mining communities in Luzerne County.