If you are looking for a unique and fascinating destination to explore Pennsylvania’s rich coal mining heritage, look no further than Eckley Miners’ Village. Located near Hazleton, Luzerne County, Eckley is an authentic 19th-century company mining town that preserves the lives and stories of the working-class families who once fueled America.

Eckley was founded in 1854 by two businessmen who wanted to exploit the anthracite coal deposits in the area. They built a self-contained community for their workers, complete with houses, churches, a school, a store, a breaker, and a tavern. The miners and their families lived in cramped and primitive conditions, often sharing a double house with another family. They faced many hardships and dangers, such as low wages, long hours, harsh weather, accidents, diseases, and labor disputes.

Eckley was one of hundreds of such patch towns that dotted the coal regions of Pennsylvania. However, unlike most of them, Eckley survived the decline of the coal industry and remained largely unchanged until the 1960s. That’s when it caught the attention of Hollywood filmmakers who were looking for a location to shoot a movie about the Molly Maguires, a secret society of Irish miners who fought against oppression and injustice in the 1870s.

The movie, starring Sean Connery and Richard Harris, was filmed in Eckley in 1968 and 1969. The filmmakers renovated some of the buildings and added new ones to create a realistic setting for the story. After the movie was completed, the village was donated to the state of Pennsylvania and became a museum.

Today, Eckley Miners’ Village is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and supported by the Eckley Miners’ Village Associates. It offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the history and culture of the coal mining communities that shaped Pennsylvania and the nation.

You can visit Eckley Miners’ Village from Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The admission fee is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for youth, and free for children under 2. You can also take a guided tour for an additional $2 per person. You can walk or drive through the village grounds for free any day from dawn to dusk.

If you’re interested to get a glimpse of what you can see when walking the town, please check out our video below:

At Eckley Miners’ Village, you can:

• Explore the exhibit hall that showcases artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays about the history of Eckley and coal mining.
• Watch a 17-minute orientation video that introduces you to the village and its people.
• Visit the Catholic church, a miners’ double house, and the Episcopal church that are open to the public during regular hours (when staffing levels permit).
• Learn about the Molly Maguires and their role in Pennsylvania’s labor history.
• See how the village changed over time as different waves of immigrants arrived from Europe.
• Enjoy special events throughout the year, such as living history weekends, festivals, lectures, workshops, and more.

Eckley Miners’ Village is more than just a museum. It is a living testament to the resilience and diversity of the coal mining families who made Pennsylvania what it is today. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, you will find something to inspire you at Eckley Miners’ Village.

Don’t miss this hidden gem of Pennsylvania history. Plan your visit today!