PA Museums

Exploring the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland

A collage of four photos showcasing different exhibits at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. Top left: The entrance to the museum with a sign reading 'COAL: THE ROCK THAT BURNS' above a hallway leading to various exhibits. Top right: A photo gallery of black and white images of coal miners. Bottom left: A replica mine tunnel constructed with heavy timber, providing a walkthrough experience. Bottom right: A glass display featuring a detailed model of a maroon and yellow dragline excavator set in a simulated mining environment. Each image captures the educational and immersive atmosphere of the museum.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, you’re in the right place!

Close-up view of the entrance to the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. Above the double glass doors, a weathered wooden sign with white letters states 'MUSEUM OF ANTHRACITE MINING.' To the left of the entrance, there is a black mailbox and a red fire alarm box mounted on the beige vertical siding. — Entrance to the museum in Schuylkill County, PA.

Located in Schuylkill County, in the heart of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal country, the Museum of Anthracite Mining is a hidden gem that offers a deep dive into the coal history that shaped the region and the country.

A wall exhibit at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, presents a map of 'THE ANTHRACITE REGION' of Pennsylvania. The map is a three-dimensional cutout highlighting the counties of Susquehanna, Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Columbia, Carbon, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Dauphin, and Lebanon, with areas containing anthracite coal marked in red. The exhibit includes a mustard-yellow informational panel with text describing the 484 square mile area from Towanda City to Forest City as the Northern, Central, Southern, and Western Middle coal fields, noting that Ashland is located in the Western Middle Field. — Ashland is located in the heart of PA’s anthracite coal region.

For anyone interested in American industrial history, a visit to this museum is an enlightening and moving experience.

Inside the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, an exhibit dedicated to 'THE MINER' is showcased. A life-sized mannequin of a miner wearing a hard hat with a headlamp, blue work clothes, and carrying a lunch pail stands in a glass case. Behind it, a large red panel with white text tells the story of the miner. The surrounding walls are lined with framed black and white photographs depicting various aspects of coal mining life and work. The industrial ceiling with exposed ductwork adds to the ambiance of the exhibit. — Photographs depicting various aspects of coal mining life and work.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Museum of Anthracite Mining is located at 401 South 18th Street, Ashland, PA 17921.

The museum is housed in the same building as the Ashland Borough Hall, and is open the same hours as the borough offices as well: Monday – Friday from 8am – 4pm, closed major holidays.

Exterior view of the Ashland Borough Hall Anthracite Museum, nestled in a lush green setting under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The museum building is a simple, one-story structure with a brown façade and a central entrance flanked by windows. In the foreground, a red and gold sign reads 'ASHLAND BOROUGH HALL ANTHRACITE MUSEUM.' An American flag on a flagpole stands proudly to the right of the building. — The museum shares a building with the Ashland Borough Hall.

The museum is located right around the corner from Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine, a former working coal mine now operated as a tourist attraction and living history museum.

Exploring Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train in Ashland Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine.

Admission to the Museum of Anthracite Mining is free.

The entrance to a replica mine tunnel at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, constructed with sturdy wooden beams and logs to simulate a mining shaft. The tunnel leads into an exhibit hall where various mining tools and educational displays can be seen in the background. The rough-hewn timber and the circular cross-section of logs create an immersive, authentic atmosphere. — Replica of a tunnel and timbers inside the museum.

What You’ll See at the Museum

As you walk through the entrance, adorned with the bold declaration ‘COAL: THE ROCK THAT BURNS,’ you’ll feel a sense of stepping back in time.

Interior view of the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, featuring the exhibit 'COAL: THE ROCK THAT BURNS.' The room has educational panels on anthracite and its history, with a wall dedicated to 'PROSPECTING FOR ANTHRACITE.' A large piece of coal is on display next to a backlit image of a prehistoric forest, illustrating coal's origins. Samples of coal and related fossils are mounted on a beige display with descriptive labels. A seating area with a table and chairs offers a space for visitors to rest or read additional material. — Coal – the rock that burns.

In fact, you’ll step back in time millions of years at first, as you learn about the formation of anthracite coal and how if differs from the more common bituminous coal that dominates western Pennsylvania’s coal fields.

An educational exhibit at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, displaying various coal fossils on a beige surface. Each fossil piece is labeled with its scientific name, such as 'LYCOPODICHNUS DENSUS' from Luzerne County, PA, and 'NEUROPTERIDIA OVATA' from Schuylkill County, PA. Above the fossils, a description explains how coal was formed from trees, branches, and leaves millions of years ago, with moisture and bacteria converting the plant material into peat, the first step in the formation of coal. In the background, a backlit image depicts a lush prehistoric forest, providing a visual context for the formation process. — Building blocks of anthracite coal.

The exhibits progress chronologically, from how anthracite coal is located to how it was/is extracted.

Wall exhibit titled 'PROSPECTING FOR ANTHRACITE' at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. The wall is adorned with raised metal letters spelling out the exhibit title, with a large, detailed illustration of wooded terrain below it. Next to the illustration is a photograph showcasing a rocky landscape, representative of anthracite deposits. Accompanying text plaques provide historical context and information about the prospecting process. The dark wall contrasts with the informative displays, inviting museum visitors to learn about the early methods of locating anthracite coal. — Prospecting for Anthracite exhibit.

The museum does an incredible job of showcasing the evolution of mining technology through exhibits like ‘TIMBERING TOOLS,’ which displays the actual implements used to support mines.

An exhibit on 'TIMBERING TOOLS' at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, displays an array of large, vintage tools used in mine timbering. Mounted on a mustard-yellow board, the tools include saws, axes, and drills, each essential for cutting and shaping the wooden supports that reinforced mine tunnels. Accompanying photographs and diagrams illustrate how these tools were used by miners. The exhibit is part of a larger display area with other mining-related exhibits in the background, creating an immersive environment for visitors to learn about mining operations. — Timbering tools exhibit.

Tools of the trade – picks, shovels, lamps – are everywhere you look.

Exhibit titled 'THE MINER’S LIGHT' at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. Various types of historic miners' lights are displayed on yellow shelves against a purple wall. The collection includes a 'MINER’S SUNSHINE' lamp, different models of carbide lamps, and a safety hat with an attached electric cap lamp. Each piece is accompanied by a small descriptive tag. The lighting in the display case enhances the metallic surfaces of the lamps, reflecting the ingenuity and evolution of mining technology. — Evolution of the miner’s light.

The ‘BLASTING MATERIALS’ exhibit shows the progression from dangerous black powder to the more stable explosives used today.

An exhibit on blasting materials at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. The display features historic mining equipment, including a black powder detonator box, a metal blasting machine with a plunger, and cylindrical metal cases, all set against a backdrop of informative red and purple panels with mirrored lettering. The words 'BLASTING MATERIALS' are prominently displayed on the central panel. In the background, other exhibits and artifacts are dimly lit, hinting at the extensive collection within the museum. — Blasting materials exhibit.

“More stable” being a relative term, as working with explosives is still risky business to this day.

A display case at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, entitled 'Permissible Explosives.' It contains a cylindrical stick of dynamite and a wrapped cartridge labeled 'Permissible Explosive.' Below the items is an informative text explaining that safer explosives, introduced into anthracite mining in 1909, were designed to give off a brief, short flame to prevent mine fires or explosions in gaseous mines. It also mentions that the Federal Bureau of Mines regulates the use of explosives in anthracite mines, which generally contain ammonium nitrate or nitroglycerin compounds. — Explosives exhibit.

Safety measures, as demonstrated in the ‘MINE SAFETY’ exhibit, highlighted the dangers miners endured and the ongoing efforts to protect them.

A 'MINE SAFETY' exhibit at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. The display, against a red background, features a variety of safety equipment and informational documents. Included are breathing apparatuses, a vintage 'Johnson's No. 1 First Aid Cabinet,' and several safety checklists and certificates. Above the exhibit hangs a beam with an old-fashioned mining lantern, adding to the authenticity of the setting. Various safety-related tags and pamphlets are pinned to the board, providing visitors with a historical perspective on mine safety measures. — Mine safety exhibit.

The exhibit on ‘SURFACE MINING’ reveals the sheer scale of coal mining operations and the advancement over time, from steam shovels to modern equipment.

An educational wall display on 'SURFACE MINING' at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. The exhibit consists of several black and white historical photographs mounted on a blue and coral panel, each with descriptive texts that provide insights into the evolution of surface mining techniques. The images show large-scale operations with steam shovels and other machinery used in the past, and the captions explain the transition to diesel-powered equipment in modern times. The bold title 'SURFACE MINING' is featured prominently on the wall, guiding museum visitors through the history of coal extraction methods. — Surface mining exhibit.

Another poignant aspect of the museum is the photo gallery, where black and white images of miners look back at you, their faces telling stories of hard work and perseverance.

A close-up view of a photo gallery at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, featuring black and white portraits of coal miners. One prominent photograph in the center shows a miner with a headlamp, his face etched with coal dust and the lines of hard work. The reflection in the glass reveals the silhouette of a person taking the photo, subtly including the viewer in the museum experience. Other framed photographs around it capture various scenes of mining life. — Photo gallery of coal miners.

Emerging from the museum, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the backbreaking labor that fueled America’s industrial revolution.

A photograph within the 'TUNNELS' exhibit at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, depicts a miner standing next to a mine cart inside a dark tunnel. The image captures the textures of the coal seams and the rocky structure of the mine. Below the photograph is a mustard-yellow informational plaque with the title 'TUNNELS' and a description that explains a tunnel as a horizontal opening in a mine that can penetrate several beds of coal or provide a passageway from one coal seam to the next. — Tunnel in an anthracite coal mine.

Final Thoughts

The Museum of Anthracite Mining serves not just as a repository of history, but as a monument to the human spirit and the transformative power of industry.

The 'TIMBERING' exhibit at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, featuring a large photo of miners reinforcing mine tunnels with wooden beams. The photo is set against a wall paneled with real wood, enhancing the mining theme. To the left, a bright yellow panel contains additional photographs and texts about timbering techniques. A cross-section of a log with growth rings is prominently displayed, providing a tangible connection to the materials used in mining. — Timbering was an important aspect of stabilizing a coal mine.

The museum’s hallways and exhibits are thoughtfully curated to not only educate but also immerse visitors in the life and times of coal miners.

The 'REACHING THE COAL' exhibit at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA, features a series of cross-sectional models and black and white photographs. The models, displayed on the upper part of the wall, artistically represent different geological layers of earth and coal. Below them, photographs depict various mining techniques such as 'DRIFTS,' 'SLOPES,' 'TUNNELS,' and 'SHAFTS,' each labeled with descriptive text to educate visitors on the methods used to access coal seams. The exhibit combines visual and textual elements to convey the complexities of anthracite coal mining. — Different methods of reaching the anthracite coal.

It’s a journey back to a time when black gold fueled the nation’s growth, a testament to human perseverance, and a reminder of the sacrifices made to keep the fires of America’s industrial revolution burning bright.

A wall exhibit titled 'THE COLLIERY' at the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland, PA. The display features a large yellow panel with a list of numbered items such as 'COMPANY HOUSES,' 'MINE ENTRANCE,' and 'POWDER SHED,' corresponding to parts of a coal mine. Next to it is a stylized representation of a mining complex in brown and beige, with each section numbered to match the list. Above and to the right, black and white historical photographs of mining operations are mounted on the dark blue wall, providing a visual context to the coal mining history. — A coal mine and the buildings and equipment associated with it was known as a colliery.

Nearby Attractions

For a truly immersive experience, combine your museum visit with a tour of the nearby Pioneer Tunnel, a real 19th-century coal mine that offers visitors a chance to ride a genuine mine train and explore the depths of a actual anthracite coal mine.

Pioneer Tunnel is inspected daily by the mine's foreman and periodically by state mine inspectors. — Pioneer Tunnel is located a block from the Museum of Anthracite Mining in Ashland.

The Ashland Mothers Memorial, erected in 1938, is a seven foot high bronze sculpture in downtown Ashland, based on the 1871 painting known as “Whistler’s Mother”.

A collage of four images related to the Ashland Mothers' Memorial in Ashland, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows the bronze statue of the seated woman with the pedestal inscription 'MOTHER / A MOTHER IS THE / HOLIEST THING ALIVE.' The top right photo is a side view of the statue overlooking the town. The bottom left is a historic black and white image of the statue's installation. The bottom right photo shows a plaque stating that the Mothers' Memorial has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. — Scenes from the Ashland Mothers’ Memorial.

Visiting a Geyser That Isn’t A Geyser in Schuylkill County reveals the truth about the nearby “Big Mine Run Geyser”, a social media sensation which is in fact nothing more than water escaping from a flooded mine shaft.

High water pressure inside an abandoned coal mine causes the water to shoot up from a ventilation hole along Big Mine Run Road. — High water pressure inside an abandoned coal mine causes water to shoot up from a ventilation hole along Big Mine Run Road in Ashland.

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