Anthracite Heritage Museum | Wilkes Barre

The Anthracite Heritage Museum is a key cultural institution located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of the anthracite coal region of northeastern Pennsylvania. It serves as a vital resource for understanding the industrial, social, and cultural impact of anthracite coal mining on the local communities and the broader American landscape.

Location and Background

Address: 22 Bald Mountain Road, McDade Park, Scranton, PA 18504

The museum is part of the Anthracite Museum Complex, which includes other historic sites such as the Scranton Iron Furnaces and Eckley Miners’ Village.

Established in 1971 by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, it was created to document and preserve the history of anthracite coal mining — once a dominant industry that shaped the economy and culture of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Focus and Themes

The museum explores the extensive history of anthracite coal mining and its influence on the region through several key themes:

Industrial Heritage: The museum details the development and operation of coal mining, including mining technologies, labor practices, and the industrial environment.

Immigration and Community: A central theme highlights the diverse waves of immigrants from Europe — including Irish, Polish, Italian, Slovak, Lithuanian, and others — who settled in the region to work in the mines and related industries. Their cultural traditions, struggles, and community life are deeply documented.

Textile Industry: The museum also showcases the region’s textile manufacturing, especially the lace industry, which was another significant source of employment, particularly for women and children.

Exhibits and Collections

Permanent Exhibits:

Anthracite People: This exhibit tells the story of the region’s immigrant populations, showing their contributions and experiences from the 19th century to modern times. It includes artifacts like clothing, household items, and personal photographs that depict everyday life.

Mining Tools and Equipment: Displays include authentic mining tools, helmets, lamps, and safety equipment used by coal miners, providing insight into the dangerous working conditions underground.

Textile Industry: Equipment and artifacts from the Scranton Lace Factory are featured, illustrating the industrial processes and social history of textile manufacturing.

Temporary Exhibits: The museum hosts rotating exhibits that explore different aspects of regional history, such as local photographers’ work capturing life in the anthracite region or special art and cultural displays related to mining heritage.

Visitor Experience

Educational Tours: The museum offers guided tours tailored for school groups, adult learners, and tourists. These tours deepen understanding of the exhibits and provide context about the anthracite coal industry's role in shaping the region’s development.

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour: Adjacent to the museum, visitors can explore the Lackawanna Coal Mine, an underground tour that offers a rare and authentic experience of mining life, including descending into a historic mine shaft and learning about mining techniques and miner safety.

Community Events: The museum organizes events such as the annual Arts on Fire Festival, which celebrates the industrial arts and heritage of the area through demonstrations, workshops, and cultural activities.

Practical Information

Hours: Open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, March through December.

Admission:

Adults (12–64 years): $7.00

Seniors (65+): $6.00

Youth (3–11 years): $5.00

Children under 3: Free

Active military and immediate family: Free

Contact: (570) 963-4804

Importance and Impact

The Anthracite Heritage Museum plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural memory of northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal mining communities. It sheds light on the sacrifices and resilience of immigrant families, the technological evolution of mining, and the social fabric of the region. This museum is essential for historians, educators, students, and visitors seeking to understand the complexities of industrial America and the human stories behind it.

In summary, the Anthracite Heritage Museum provides a comprehensive, immersive experience into the industrial and cultural history of the anthracite coal region. Its exhibits, tours, and events offer valuable insights into how coal mining shaped the landscape, economy, and communities of northeastern Pennsylvania.