Anthracite coal, the “black diamond” of our region, is one of the area’s most natural resources. It is credited for spurring many investments, technological advancements, and transportation developments in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Coal Region, which includes Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, was home to the 18th century discovery of anthracite coal. Anthracite mining brought a mighty revolution to the woodlands and farmlands and changed the landscape of the surrounding communities. By drawing many immigrants looking for work, the coal boom helped shape what has become the face of Northeastern Pennsylvania, an area rich in culture and ethnicity. The influence of diverse immigrant populations is evident throughout the region with individual towns reflecting ethnic food and culture.

While the anthracite mining industry declined in the 1950s, it left behind much rich history to explore. Today, authentic coal mine tours, museums, and other local attractions tell the story of our area’s coal mining history.

Frozen in time, Eckley Miner’s Village provides a glimpse into a real patch town. These small villages were affiliated with a particular mine and housed their own churches, company store, doctors office and miner’s quarters. Take a tour or visit one of the many living history festivals. Celebrate with music, food, dancing and live demonstrations at the famous Patch Town Days festival on June 21 and 22. July brings a Children’s History Camp as well as an Old Time Music Festival and Fiddle Contest on the 20th. A Civil War Encampment will be enacted on the 16th and 17th of August. For more information call 636-2070 or eckleyminersvillage.org

Descend into history with a trip on the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. Travel 300 feet beneath the earth in the old Slope #190, originally opened in 1860. Listen to a miner describe in detail how the mines operated and tell of the heroic efforts made by miners to extract the coal from underground. The tour is open from April 1st through November 30th. Call 963-MINE or visitnepa.org.

The Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, located in McDade Park in Scranton, highlights the lives of those who emigrated from Europe to come and work in the anthracite mining and textile industries. Tour the facility and experience how these proud people endured harsh working conditions yet carved out communities rich in tradition.

Visitors are welcomed into the family’s homes and neighborhoods and can observe the kitchen, visit the pub, or take a seat in a local church.  The museum’s diverse collections highlight life in the mines, mills, and factories and represent all facets of work, life, and values of the region’s ethnic communities. The museum is open year round. 963-4804 or anthracitemuseum.org.

With the discovery of anthracite coal came many transportation developments. In 1887, Scranton was Pennsylvania’s first city with a successful pioneer trolley line and became known as “The Electric City.” The Electric City Trolley Museum collection provides a highly representative picture of the electric railway history and is located on the Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS). Trolley excursions run five days a week beginning in May. For more information call 963-6590 or ectma.org.

Steamtown National Historic Site also offers a Technology Museum and History Museum where one can explore the people, history, technology, and lore of steam railroading. Short, half-hour train rides begin in April with the longer train excursion season starting on June 28th. Steamtown NHS also offers Junior Ranger programs for children ages 6-8 and 9-12.

Each of these attractions provides a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse into our area’s mining history. While taking a step back in time you will leap forward by offering your family a rich learning experience. For more information including a driving tour, see pacoalhistory.com.