The stories of immigrants leaving their home countries in search of a better life in the coal mines of Scranton, Pennsylvania are well told through exhibits and artifacts. The first to arrive were experienced miners from England and Wales. Eventually more than three dozen nations were represented as people escaped famine, poverty, and overcrowding in Europe. Most were not familiar with mining but jobs were plentiful and both men and boys were needed. Women and girls worked in the silk and lace mills that opened to take advantage of a cheap and willing labor force. It wasn’t an easy life but the families survived, forming fraternal and benefit societies, and blending their customs and cultures into the growing town. After reaching peak production in 1917 the industry went into a steady decline and there are no deep mines in the area today.
The museum is accessible.
The parking lot has two levels. RVs will fit in both lots - parked lengthwise across the spaces - but if the lots are busy there may not be room to turn around. Our RV is small so we could park in an accessible space in the upper lot. Museum 41.41759, -75.7159
My grandpa (mothers side) was a coal miner about 60 miles from Scranton (in Shenandoah). He & grandma emigrated from Lithuania.
ReplyDeleteI've no idea why they left & there is on one around any more to ask.
Most of us only realize that we would like to know more about our ancestors when it's too late. Probably a lot of interesting stories lost forever. :-(
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