PA Museums

Exploring the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale

A collage of four images from the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Huntingdon County, PA. The top-left image shows the museum's exterior, housed in the former Reality Theatre, with the marquee and a mining cart displayed out front. The top-right image features shelves filled with coal mining artifacts, including lunch pails, lanterns, and miniature mining models. The bottom-left image highlights a diorama depicting miners and their mules alongside vintage mining tools and safety signage. The bottom-right image displays a railroad exhibit with maps, photographs, and memorabilia related to the Pennsylvania Railroad and the transportation of coal from the Broad Top region.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, you’re in the right place!

The interior of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, features a large open space filled with cubicle-style exhibit panels showcasing various aspects of coal mining and railroading history in the Broad Top Region. Each panel is covered with photographs, maps, documents, and artifacts related to the area's industrial heritage. In the background, the stage of the former Reality Theatre remains intact, reminding visitors of the building's history as a local entertainment venue. The museum’s exhibits provide detailed information about the lives of miners, mining technology, and the importance of coal to the region’s development.

This Huntingdon County museum takes visitors on a deep dive into the coal mining and railroad history of the Broad Top region, which includes portions of Huntingdon, Bedford, and Fulton counties.

A map on display at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, outlines the Broad Top Coal Field, which spans parts of Huntingdon, Bedford, and Fulton counties. Key coal towns such as Saxton, Dudley, Coaldale, Robertsdale, and Broad Top City are marked within the coal-rich area, while neighboring regions outside the field are labeled as having "No Coal." The map highlights the geographical extent of coal mining operations in the Broad Top Region, which played a central role in the area's industrial history. An illustration of miners working underground adds further historical context to the map, reflecting the hard labor and significance of coal mining to the local communities.

Housed in the historic Reality Theatre, this museum offers an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the story of the region’s industrial heritage.

The exterior of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, is housed in the former Reality Theatre, a historic brick building with a marquee that reads, "COAL MINERS MUSEUM - BROAD TOP AREA COAL MINERS MUSEUM - WELCOME TO ROBERTSDALE." A vintage coal cart filled with black coal sits outside, along with an American flag and an "OPEN" banner. A framed poster on the front of the building provides information about the museum's exhibits, which focus on the history and heritage of coal mining and steam railroading in the Broad Top Region of south-central Pennsylvania. The building's iconic theater architecture and community-focused signage invite visitors to explore the area's industrial past.

It’s a fascinating journey through time, exploring the lives of miners and the rise of small towns built on coal and railroads.

A historical photograph displayed at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, shows workers at Robertsdale's "Slope Mine" No. 5 in the late 1890s. The image captures two miners standing beside coal carts, filled with large chunks of coal, on tracks leading from the mine. The scene emphasizes the manual labor involved in coal mining during this period, with long rows of coal carts lined up, ready for transport. This photograph is part of the museum’s collection, showcasing the coal mining heritage of the Broad Top Region and the harsh conditions miners faced during the late 19th century.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum is located at 704 South Main Street, Robertsdale, PA 16674.

The Museum is open on Saturdays, May through October, from 10 am – 5 pm.

An exterior display at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, features a small black locomotive model adorned with logos from the East Broad Top Railroad and Pennsylvania Railroad. A sign promotes the museum's hours of operation, noting it is open from May to October on Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM, and group visits are welcome year-round. The locomotive model is part of the museum's effort to celebrate the region's coal mining and railroading history. The signage invites visitors to ride behind steam on the East Broad Top Railroad, highlighting the museum’s connection to this iconic local rail line.

The admission fee as of 2024 is $5/person.

An overhead view from the second floor of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA. The image showcases the museum's layout, which features numerous cubicles and display cases filled with mining and railroad memorabilia. Exhibits highlight the coal mining and steam railroading history of the tri-county Broad Top Region of south-central Pennsylvania. The museum, housed in the former Reality Theatre, uses its theater space to present a wide range of artifacts, historical photographs, and documents related to the area's rich industrial past.

What You’ll See at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum

The first floor of the museum is packed with exhibits showcasing life during the coal mining boom in the Broad Top Region.

A display inside the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, showcases a variety of coal mining artifacts and tools used in the Broad Top Region. The shelves are filled with miner's helmets, lunch pails, oil lamps, safety equipment, and mining figurines. Models of mining equipment, such as mine carts and conveyer systems, are also present. Informational placards accompany some of the items, detailing their historical significance. The exhibit offers a glimpse into the daily lives of miners, emphasizing both the tools of their trade and the cultural heritage of the region.

This area was known for its large deposit of semi-bituminous coal.

A poster displayed at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, features images and maps showcasing the rich coal mining and railroading history of the Broad Top Region. The top image shows a group of visitors, including children, gathered at the Robertsdale railroad depot, highlighting the local history. Another photo displays individuals working on the Robertsdale station signage, emphasizing the restoration efforts. A historical map of the East Broad Top Railroad connects key locations like Robertsdale, Woodvale, and Rocky Ridge, while sketches and images of coal-related structures and trains convey the area's mining heritage.

Early settlers, including Native American tribes such as the Susquehannock and Tuscaroras, lived in the region long before coal became a vital resource.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, features a historical map and illustrations detailing Native American tribes that once inhabited Pennsylvania, including the Broad Top Region. The map identifies the locations of various tribes such as the Susquehannocks, Shawnee, Delawares, Iroquois, Senecas, and others across the state. The display explains the major tribes that lived in the area during the 17th century, including the Delawares, Susquehannock, Seneca, and Tuscarora, with accompanying illustrations depicting Native American rituals, hunting scenes, and canoes. Information about the Monongahela and Erie tribes is also provided, offering insight into the rich indigenous history that preceded European settlement in the Broad Top Region. This exhibit connects the area's Native American heritage with its broader history.

The museum even details how coal is formed, explaining the millions of years of geological processes that created the valuable resource.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, explains the process of coal formation, dating back to the "Coal Age" around 200 million years ago. The display details how giant plants and trees in swamps, such as those in the Appalachian region, died and were covered by layers of sand and mud, eventually transforming into coal under pressure over millions of years. The exhibit also mentions the role of giant ferns and fossil leaves in this process. Below the text is a historic black-and-white photo showing a large group of East Broad Top coal miners gathered around the entrance to the Rockhill No. 5 Slope Mine in Robertsdale, offering a glimpse into the coal mining workforce of the past.

As you continue through the exhibits, you’ll learn about the different types of coal mines used in the Broad Top Region, including shaft, slope, and drift mines.

An educational exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, illustrates the different types of coal mines. The diagram shows three primary mining methods: Shaft Mine, where a vertical shaft is dug deep into the earth to reach the coal seam; Drift Mine, which is a horizontal tunnel dug directly into the coal seam from the surface; and Slope Mine, where an inclined passageway is built to access coal seams located below the surface. The exhibit helps visitors understand the various techniques used to extract coal depending on the geography and depth of the coal deposits in the Broad Top Region.

The methods of coal extraction are fascinating, and the museum offers diagrams and tools used by miners to help visitors understand the difficult work involved.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, features a detailed scene of a coal mining operation. The display includes a life-sized mannequin dressed as a miner, standing next to a cart filled with coal, mining tools, and equipment. A large mural in the background depicts a coal tipple structure with a bright blue sky and green hills. Historical photographs, certificates, and documents are mounted on the wall, including a notable photo labeled "Miners and Their Mules." Signs indicating the presence of explosives and danger add to the realism of the mining environment, capturing the hazards and daily realities faced by coal miners in the region.

Once the coal was extracted, it had to be transported to market, and this is where the railroads played a crucial role.

The museum features exhibits on the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad, the East Broad Top Railroad, and the Pennsylvania Railroad, all of which were essential in moving coal to cities across the region and beyond.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, showcases historical photos and memorabilia related to the town of Robertsdale and the East Broad Top Railroad. The display includes an early photo of the Robertsdale "Company Store" and images of EBT steam locomotives No. 15 and No. 16 from the 1950s. Other photos highlight scenes from the Rockhill No. 5 Slope Mine, winter views of the EBT Railroad at Robertsdale, and students waiting for the train at the Wye. A calendar from Romine's Restaurant adds a nostalgic touch, and color photos from the 1970s show the town's landscape during that era. The exhibit provides a detailed glimpse into Robertsdale's coal mining and railroading past, emphasizing its importance to the region's industrial history.

Photos, timetables, and even pieces of rail equipment help to illustrate the story of how these railroads connected remote mining towns to larger markets.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, features a detailed collection of memorabilia from the Huntingdon & Broad Top (H&BT) Railroad and the Rockhill Coal Company. The display includes historical documents, tickets, certificates, maps, and photos of locomotives and railcars. Artifacts such as lanterns, metal tools, and a train number plate are showcased in a glass case, along with a variety of mining-related items. The exhibit provides insight into the operations of the H&BT Railroad and its integral role in transporting coal from the mines of the Broad Top Region. This collection highlights the intersection of coal mining and steam railroading in the area's industrial history.

Visitors can also explore displays of the small coal towns that sprang up along these rail lines, including Robertsdale, Saxton, and Hopewell.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, focuses on the history of Hopewell, a key location in Bedford County during the heyday of coal mining and iron production in the Broad Top Region. The display includes a historical map of Hopewell and aerial photos showing the town and the surrounding area, including the Huntingdon & Broad Top (H&BT) Railroad and Route 915. A large photo highlights the H&BT Railroad stopping at Hopewell Station in 1908, with an Express Cart visible alongside a steam locomotive. Information panels describe the town’s industrial rise, including its furnace and railroad history. The exhibit connects Hopewell’s industrial past with its role in the broader history of the Broad Top Region’s coal and iron industries.

Robertsdale, where the museum is located, was a “company town” owned by the Rockhill Iron and Coal Company.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, provides a historical overview of Robertsdale, a "Company Town" owned by the Rockhill Iron and Coal Company. The display explains how miners lived in homes owned by the company and were often forced to spend their wages at the company store, a practice famously referenced in the song *Sixteen Tons* by Merle Travis, sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford. An excerpt from an 1883 history of the town describes Robertsdale as existing solely because of the coal mines, with housing for 140 families, a population of 700, and one store serving the miners’ needs. The excerpt also highlights the town's diverse church denominations and the miners' ethnic backgrounds, with a majority being Welsh, along with English, Scotch, Irish, French, and Americans. This exhibit offers insight into the social and economic conditions of a 19th-century company town.

The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into this town’s past, as well as other nearby communities, all of which owe their existence to the coal and railroad industries.

A historical exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, showcases a black-and-white photograph of Saxton, described as the "nerve center" of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad. The panoramic view of the town highlights the railroad infrastructure that once dominated the area, with the roundhouse visible at the right center of the image. The display emphasizes Saxton's critical role in the operations of the railroad, which was essential for transporting coal and goods throughout the Broad Top Region. This exhibit is part of the museum’s broader collection of mining and railroading history, focusing on the town's pivotal connection to the local industrial economy.

Historical photos of places like Dudley Station, along with stories about the miners who worked there, add a personal touch to the exhibits.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, highlights the history of Dudley Station on the Shoups Run Branch of the Huntingdon & Broad Top (H&BT) Railroad. A large, early photograph of a steam locomotive at Dudley Station dominates the display, surrounded by additional historical photos of the station, coal mining operations, and railroad infrastructure in the area. The exhibit also includes an honor roll listing local coal miners who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. A model of the Dudley Station tower is placed alongside these artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the vital role the railroad played in transporting coal from the mines to broader markets.

On the second floor of the museum, the exhibits shift to the cultural side of life in the Broad Top Region.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, dedicated to the history of Robertsdale High School features a variety of memorabilia. A large maroon and gold banner with "Robertsdale High School" is prominently displayed, alongside vintage sports jerseys, letterman jackets, and school-related artifacts. Framed photographs of school events, students, and faculty from different decades are laid out on tables, capturing moments from the school's past. Yearbooks, certificates, and awards further emphasize the school's importance to the local community. The exhibit reflects the pride and memories associated with Robertsdale High School and its role in the area's educational history.

One of the standout displays is the history of the Reality Theatre itself, which once served as a community hub for entertainment.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, features vintage theater equipment from the former Reality Theatre, including film projectors and reels. The display is filled with movie posters, advertisements, and memorabilia from local theaters, such as the Reality Theatre, Shapiro Theatre, and Crawford Theatre, highlighting movie showings and grand openings in the mid-20th century. Film projectors, reels, and other cinema-related tools are prominently showcased, offering a glimpse into the historical role of local theaters in the Broad Top Region. The posters on the wall include showings of classic films like *Portrait in Black* and *Seven Sweethearts,* reflecting the era when the Reality Theatre was a community hub for entertainment.

Other exhibits feature memorabilia from local schools, churches, and sports teams, giving a glimpse into everyday life during the coal boom.

An exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, showcases the history of local sports teams. Vintage baseball uniforms from teams like Dudley and Broad Top are displayed on the wall, along with trophies and memorabilia from past sporting events. A collection of baseballs and bats is housed in glass cases, while photographs and documents highlight the teams' achievements. The exhibit also includes historical information about the region, further connecting the local sports heritage with the broader history of the coal mining communities in the area. This display honors the athletes and teams that were an integral part of community life in the Broad Top Region.

There’s even an exhibit dedicated to local musicians, including famous figures like Vaughn Horton, who wrote songs for Roy Clark and appeared on “Hee Haw.”

A framed display at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, highlights local musician Vaughn Horton’s appearance on the television show *Hee Haw* on August 25, 1984. The photo shows Vaughn Horton performing alongside country music legend Roy Clark. Horton, a songwriter and steel guitar player from the Broad Top Region, is recognized for his significant contributions to American country music. The display also includes text describing his career, notable songs, and achievements in the music industry, including his appearance on *Hee Haw* as part of a tribute to his musical legacy. This exhibit celebrates the regional roots and national success of Horton.

Final Thoughts

The Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum provides a well-rounded look at both the industrial and cultural history of the Broad Top region.

A military exhibit at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, showcases uniforms and memorabilia honoring local veterans from various branches of the U.S. military. Mannequins are dressed in historical uniforms, including a white Navy dress uniform and combat fatigues, representing different eras of service. Display cases contain military helmets, medals, and other artifacts, such as photos, documents, and personal items belonging to servicemen and women. This exhibit pays tribute to the region's veterans, highlighting their contributions and sacrifices during times of war and service to the nation.

Whether you’re intrigued by the coal mining industry, the role of railroads in the area’s development, or the small-town communities that flourished because of these industries, this museum has something for everyone.

A historic photograph displayed at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, captures the last fan trip of the Huntingdon & Broad Top (H&BT) Railroad on June 7, 1953. The image shows a large group of rail enthusiasts and passengers standing beside a passenger car, while others are seen in open freight cars adorned with a sign that reads "WELCOME." Some individuals are taking photographs to document the event, marking the end of an era for the H&BT Railroad. The photo highlights the significance of this farewell journey in the history of steam railroading in the Broad Top Region.

It’s a hidden gem in Huntingdon County, offering a rich and detailed look into the history that shaped the region.

A framed historic photo at the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Huntingdon County, PA, shows the Reality Theatre in the early 1950s. The image captures a group of Robertsdale High School "Tiger" Band members walking past the theater during a Halloween parade. The theater's marquee and classic exterior are prominently displayed, along with movie posters on the facade. The high school gym, visible to the left of the theater, and a school bus parked between the theater and the gym, add to the nostalgic view of the town. This image is part of the museum's collection, emphasizing the community's connection to the local cinema and cultural events of the time.

Nearby Attractions

The Robertsdale Museum showcases the rich history of the East Broad Top Railroad & Coal Company using exhibits, walking tours, and railbike rides.

This collage from the Robertsdale Museum in Huntingdon County, PA, captures key aspects of the site. The top-left image shows the museum's entrance with a bright orange banner indicating it's open. The top-right image features a detailed diorama of a coal mining operation served by the East Broad Top Railroad, showcasing historical structures and railcars. The bottom-left image displays the weathered entrance to one of the coal mines that can be explored on guided walking tours behind the museum. The bottom-right image provides a view from a railbike excursion along the restored narrow-gauge track through the lush forest, giving visitors a unique way to experience the railroad's history.

The East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County is one of the nation’s oldest and best-preserved narrow-gauge railroads.

A collage of four photos showcasing the East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The first image captures a steam locomotive with billowing smoke at sunset. The second shows a conductor aboard the locomotive. The third depicts the train amidst a winter landscape with white smoke against the hills. The last image is of an open passenger car traveling through a lush green forest.

The Rockhill Trolley Museum is literally right next to the East Broad Top Railroad, and gives visitors a chance to ride antique electric trolley cars through the scenic Blacklog Valley in Huntingdon County.

The Rockhill Trolley Museum offers visitors the chance to ride antique electric trolley cars through a scenic Huntingdon County valley. — The Rockhill Trolley Museum offers visitors the chance to ride antique electric trolley cars through the scenic Blacklog Valley in Huntingdon County.

23 Must-See Attractions in Huntingdon County is your guide to even more great destinations near the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum.

The best things to see and do in Huntingdon County PA.

Discover even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to connect with PA Bucket List on social media.