The Patchwork Kitchen Breadmaking Workshop
2026-01-10 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Eckley Miners' Village Museum, 2 Eckley Main St, Weatherly, PA, 18255, Luzerne, United States
Do you love fresh, baked bread? Warm, cinnamon rolls? Ever wondered how to make it, how your ancestors may have made it in the past? Join us for this one-of-a-kind breadmaking workshop. Not only will you get knead-deep in some delicious dough, but you’ll learn about its versatility, about the way it was done in a patch town, and how you too can enjoy the many benefits of making your own.

Bread was not only a staple in the patch town kitchen, it was a lifeline. Join us for this interactive, history-filled workshop where you’ll not only learn about the versatility of a single dough, but you’ll leave with enough dough for a loaf of bread, 4 cinnamon rolls, and a braided, savory garlic and cheese loaf.

Pre-registration is required

COST: $60/person, or $55/person for 2+ tickets

Register here: https://eckleyminersvillage.com/event/breadmakingworkshop/

Civil War: The Homefront in Pennsylvania's Coal Region
2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Alvernia University - Pottsville CollegeTowne, 500 Progress Ave, Pottsville, Pa, 17901, Schuylkill, United States
In the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania, the Civil War unfolded far from the front lines, yet touched every colliery, town, and household.

Anthracite coal from the Coal Region powered the U.S. Navy, fired Northern factories, and kept the Union war machine moving - making these patch towns and villages as vital as any battlefield.

Yet while sons and neighbors marched off to fight for the Union, unrest simmered at home. Antiwar politics surged through mining villages. Draft resistance flared. State and federal troops occupied communities not only to enforce conscription, but to suppress strikes and labor organizing as wartime profits flooded the region.

This program explores the Coal Region’s divided home front - where patriotism, profit, coercion, and class conflict collided beneath the shadow of the coal breaker and the American flag.

Jake Wynn is a public historian and tourism marketing professional. He currently serves as the Senior Marketing and Communications Manager for Visit Frederick, the Destination Marketing Organization for Frederick County, Maryland. He previously served as the Director of Interpretation at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum. He writes about Coal Region history at wynninghistory.com and facebook.com/wynninghistory. He is also a founding contributor to the Pennsylvania in the Civil War blog. He is a native of Williamstown, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Frederick, Maryland.

Movies in the Mines
2026-01-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Brooks Mine, Nay Aug Park, Scranton , United States
Experience a truly unique opportunity to watch the Knox Mine Disaster Film from inside a coal mine! This will take place during anthracite history month on Jan 17th, within the Brooks Mine in Nay Aug Park, Scranton PA. Although closed for the season, we will be opening the mine for this special opportunity. Showings will take place rain, snow or shine, as there are no issues with weather underground! The mine will likely be warmer than the temperature outside, but still recommend to wear layers for comfort. The film is 1.5 hours, and will be followed by some time for Q&A and to walk around the mine. Popcorn and drink included with ticket purchase! Seats for the event are limited, ticket required in advance. No tickets available day of the event.

To purchase tickets please follow this link: Our Events – Underground Miners

Anthracite Photography with Michael Froio
2026-01-18 13:00 - 14:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 E 2nd St, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, Northampton, United States
Join photographer Michael Froio at NMIH https://www.nmih.org/ as he showcases his recent work documenting anthracite coal mines and culture. https://michaelfroio.com/

Huber Breaker Preservation Society
2026-01-20 18:00 - 21:00 | St Leo The Great Church Hall, 33 Manhattan Street, Ashley, PA, 18706, Luzerne, United States
Presenters:

Robbie Flowers, "Mining Tools and Techniques of the 1800s"
Bobby Hughes (EPCAMR), "Mosaics, Mine Maps, and Multi-Colliery Hydrogeologic Units: Efforts to Advance Mine Pool Mapping Models to Address AMD Throughout the Anthracite Region"
Don Kane, Jr., "Update on Progress at Miners Memorial Park and Future Plans"
Chris Murley (Underground Miners), "Opening of the #5 Slope"

Light refreshments will be provided. St Leo's Hall has ample seating and parking.

From the Mines to Rails
2026-01-22 18:30 - 19:30 | 1st Welsh Baptist Church, 168 Girard Ave corner of Shawnee Ave , Plymouth, PENNSYLVANIA, 18651, Luzerne, United States
Joseph Slusser of The Plymouth Historical Society will present on railroad moving coal over the Ashley Planes , Mr. Norm Barret will present on working for the DH railroad , and Mr. Dave Skoniecki will present on his collection of Railroad Lanterns.

Admission Free

Refreshments following

Parking available in borough lot next door

Enter community room side door

Meet the Author - Lorena Beniquez - “Lost Coal Country of Northeastern Pennsylvania”
2026-01-23 19:00 - 20:30 | LCHS Museum, 69 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701, Luzerne, United States
The Luzerne County Historical Society will host Lorena Beniquez author of “Lost Coal Country of Northeastern Pennsylvania” on Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at the LCHS Museum, 69 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18701.

As the great-granddaughter of a Wyoming Valley coal miner, Lorena knew little about her family’s story or our area’s history. So, she embarked on a decades long labor of love, shooting a series of photos capturing the Huber and St. Nicholas coal breakers, while they were still standing. From there, she began to explore further and had the honor to meet and interview historians and the witnesses of the anthracite boom including the children of Joe Stella, William C. Best and Thomas Supey to name a few. But now nearly ten years later after publishing the book, many of LCCNP’s subjects are already gone. Lorena will present a talk about what sites have been demolished, which remain and new ones to explore. She will also detail the process of writing and photographing the book, which took almost 30 years to complete.

This event is free to the public. Books will be available for purchase and to have signed. Seating is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, call 570-823-6244 x3 or email reservations@luzernehistory.org.

Anthracite Insurgents
2026-01-24 13:00 - 14:00 | National Museum of Industrial History, 602 E 2nd St., Bethlehem, PA, 18015, Northampton, United States
Professors Robert Wolensky and Thomas Mackaman will give a presentation about their new manuscript "Anthracite Insurgents."
The volume deals with labor-management, labor-labor, and labor-government conflict in the northern anthracite coalfield (the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton areas). A particular focus is on a newly formed labor union, the United Anthracite Miners of Pennsylvania (1933-1935), which challenged both the coal companies and John L. Lewis and the United Mineworkers of America. The book is currently under review by Penn State University Press.

The Annual Knox Mine Disaster Commemoration
2026-01-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Anthracite Heritage Museum, 22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton, PA, 18504, Lackawanna, United States
The annual Knox Mine program will feature speakers focusing on history of the Anthracite Region broadly and events that occurred following the Knox Mine Disaster. This year's presenters include:

Dr. Dana Polanichka (Wheaton) presenting the 50th anniversary of the Anthracite Heritage Museum
Dr. Philip Mosley (Penn State, emeritus) on Knox Mine films
Dr. David Heineman (Commonwealth-Bloomsburg), "Studying Official and Vernacular Memory in the Anthracite Region"
The final weekend of the Scott Herring 50th anniversary Hard Coal Chronicles photography show
Mike and Linda Mostardi (Wayne, PA), display of anthracite mining artifacts

Dr. Heineman's talk asks: What does it mean to consider anthracite history through the lens of public memory theory, and how does doing so highlight important differences in official vs. vernacular modes of commemoration? This presentation considers this question through a discussion of a recent experience teaching anthracite history to students enrolled in an honors seminar at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania - Bloomsburg.

This free, hybrid program will be offered in-person at the Anthracite Heritage Museum and virtually via Zoom and Facebook Live.

CANCELED - Knox Mine Disaster Memorial Mass
2026-01-25 09:00 - 10:00 | St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 Williams Street, Pittston, PA, 18640, Luzerne, United States
CANCELED

CANCELED - Knox Mine Disaster Memorial Commemoration
2026-01-25 10:15 - 10:45 | Baloga Funeral Home, 1201 Main Street, Pittston, PA, 18640, Northern, United States

CANCELED - Knox Mine Disaster Annual Walk
2026-01-25 10:45 - 11:45 | Baloga Funeral Home, 1201 Main Street, Pittston, PA, 18640, Northern, United States
CANCELED

Annual walk to the Knox Mine Disaster break-in site at the Susquehanna River in Pittston. Weather permitting.

Walk Leaders: Bill Best, Bill Landmesser, Mike Borzell, and Stan Shoppel.

The Annual Msgr. John J. Curran Lecture & Book Prize
2026-01-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Burke Auditorium, Business School, King's College, 133 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 17802, Luzerne, United States
Mitch Troutman will deliver the annual Msgr. John J. Curran Lecture in the Burke Auditorium at King's College on January 26, 2025. The topic of his lecture will be, "Bootleg Coal Mining in Northeastern Pennsylvania, 1925-1942." The talk will be based on his book, The Bootleg Coal Rebellion: The Pennsylvania Miners Who Seized an Industry: 1925–1942 (PM Press, 2022). The talk will focus on the thriving, though illegal, coal mining that took place mainly in the southern anthracite coal field before, during, and after the Great Depression. Mitch will also receive the Anthracite Heritage Foundation Book Award for 2025, a prize given each year to honor a work that highlights key aspects of the hard coal industry in the northeastern part of the state.

The History of Philadelphia & Reading, Coal & Iron Company: 154 Years of ‘Famous READING Anthracite’
2026-01-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Eckley Miners Village Auditorium, 2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly , PA, 18255, Luzerne, United States
Join us for an insightful evening as we dive into the rich history of “The Philadelphia & Reading, Coal & Iron Company”. We are honored to have Eric T. Bella, a Mining Engineer for Reading Anthracite, leading this special presentation during Anthracite Heritage Month.

Topic: "The History of Philadelphia & Reading, Coal & Iron Company: 154 Years of ‘Famous READING Anthracite’"

Mr. Bella will guide us through the remarkable journey of the company, exploring its pivotal role in shaping the anthracite industry and its profound impact on the region's heritage.

Slopes, Shafts and Planes - the Mechanics of Mining
2026-01-30 18:30 - 20:00 | Trinity Episcopal Church, 337 Spring Street, West Pittston, PA, 18643, Luzerne, United States
We are thrilled to announce this January Anthracite Heritage Month program welcoming back our presenter, mining engineer Justin Emershaw from the Hazleton based Atlantic Carbon Group.

The program will include how and why mine shafts and planes were located and how the surveyors direct miners on where the tunnels and shafts are in the mine - all used for mapping the mine. The program will also show how engineers find coal for a viable mine operation. The techniques cover both historic and modern day mines.

This program is free and open to the public. Please note the location.

**Trinity Episcopal Church corner of Montgomery Ave. and Spring St. in West Pittston.

There is an elevator available in the church if needed.

David A. Lucas - Underground Anthracite Miner Movies
2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:30 | Pine Grove Movie Theater, 213 S Tulpehocken St., Pine Grove, PA, 17963, Schuylkill, United States
David A. Lucas was an underground anthracite miner in the Southern Anthracite Coal Field in the west end of Schuylkill County from the late 1960's to the early 2000's. He was known as a tough underground miner with a heart of gold. He had a unique sense of humor and provided pizza sales when someone was in need. Underground Anthracite Coal mining was his passion and joy of life. He worked in the coal mines all of his life up until the early 2000's and advanced from a laborer to a coal mine owner. He died in 2019 of a horrific car accident. He had made several "home made" movies of his coal mining. The movies are a unique way to see the life of an underground anthracite miner and learn about the various operations that need to be done to mine anthracite coal underground. The movies show how underground anthracite mining is still done today although there are few anthracite deep mines remaining.

The event is at the Pine Grove Movie Theater on January 31st. at 2:00 pm. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Penn-Anthracite SME, there is no admission charge. Some foods will be available.

An Evening of Anthracite Region Music
2026-02-15 16:00 - 18:00 | Susquehanna Brewing Company, 635 S Main Street, Pittston, PA, 18640, Northern, United States
Master of Ceremonies: Don Shappelle

Don Shappelle and the Pickups (Coal Mining Music)
Doug Smith's Dixieland All-Stars
The Pennsylvania Coal Miners -- A Tribute to John Stanky

Refreshments available.

Movies in the Mines, Knox Mine Disaster
2026-02-21 12:00 - 16:30 | Brooks Mine, Nay Aug Park, Scranton , PA, United States
Following a great first showing we are excited to offer this once again! Experience a truly unique opportunity to watch the Knox Mine Disaster Film from inside a coal mine! This will take place during anthracite history month on Feb 21st, within the Brooks Mine in Nay Aug Park, Scranton PA. Although closed for the season, we will be opening the mine for this special opportunity. Showings will take place rain, snow or shine, as there are no issues with weather underground! The mine will likely be warmer than the temperature outside, but still recommend to wear layers for comfort. The film is 1.5 hours, and will be followed by some time for Q&A and to walk around the mine. Popcorn and drink included with ticket purchase! Seats for the event are limited, ticket required in advance. No tickets available day of the event.
Purchase tickets on our website here: Our Events – Underground Miners
February 21st, 2026
Showings of Knox Mine Disaster Film inside the Brooks Mine
$25 – Noon and 2:30 PM
Nay Aug Park, Scranton PA

Breaker Boys
2026-02-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Catlin House, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton, PA, 18510, Lackawanna, United States
Charlie Kumpas will present a power point on Breaker Boys

Anthracite Labor History
2026-03-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Anthracite Heritage Museum, 22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton, PA, 18504, Northern, United States
Moderated by Robert Wolensky, King's College. Speakers include:

Lucia Dailey, Independent Scholar, "Msgr. John J. Curran: The Labor Priest of Anthracite"
Thomas Mackaman, King's College, "The Industrial Workers of the World in Anthracite, 1907-1916"
Robert Schmidt, Independent Scholar, "Radical Means, Conservative Ends: Understanding Dynamite Bombings in the Anthracite Region"
Robert Wolensky, King's College, "Labor Rebellion during the 1930s: The United Anthracite Miners of Pennsylvania"

This free program marks Charter Day - the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's birthday!

Anthracite Photo Presentation From Centralia to Shamokin
2026-03-21 15:00 - 17:00 | West End Fire Company, 1254 Maple Street, Kulpmont, PA, 17834, Northumberland, United States
Mike Molesevich left home in Mount Carmel for college in 1973 and came back with a manual 35 mm camera and took black and white photographs of his hometown area during breaks and after graduation in 1977. He realized the coal region was good subject material for black and white photography. He traveled alone and sometimes with others to the abandoned Locust Summit Colliery, the Centralia mine fire, old strip mines, and the Shamokin Glen Burn Breaker. He saved the film negatives in a shoe box, had them professionally scanned, and made prints of his favorites. Mike will project his photos on a screen and describe some of the last photos taken of scenes in Centralia, Mount Carmel, Shamokin and surrounding areas. This event is sponsored by the Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance (SCRA). Mike and SCRA will have historic mine maps, books, photographs, and related material of their work on display.

The 80 Anthracite Carnegie Heroes: Dedication of a New Monument in Wilkes-Barre
2026-09-05 15:00 - 16:30 | Miner's Memorial at King's College, 20 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701, Luzerne, United States

Avondale Mine Disaster 157th anniversary
2026-09-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Washburn St Cemetery, No known address for the cemetery, Scranton, PA, 18503, Lackawanna, United States
The 157th anniversary of the Avondale Mine Disaster

The event will take place at Washburn St Cemetery where 61 of the men and boys who died in the disaster will be remembered.

There will be speeches, playing of TAPs--several Avondale miners were veterans and music.

Refreshments will be served.

Event goers are asked to bring chairs.
