Mines, Murders and the Molly Maguires - BHC Bus Trip

Name: Mines, Murders and the Molly Maguires - BHC Bus Trip
Start: 2025-03-29T08:03:00-04:00
End: 2025-03-29T18:57:00-04:00
Location: Penndot Driver License Center

Schedule

Sat Mar 29 2025 at 08:03 am to 06:57 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Penndot Driver License Center | Reading, PA

Eckley Miners’ Village Museum is just one of many company-owned mining towns that emerged across the coal fields of Northeastern Pennsylvania during the nineteenth century. Constructed inexpensively and designed to enforce strict industrial discipline, towns like Eckley highlight the considerable power exerted by coal companies. However, they also demonstrate how working families resisted corporate control and created small pockets of independence and opportunity amidst a challenging environment. Additionally, Eckley Miners’ Village served as the filming location for the Sean Connery/Richard Harris movie, "Molly Maguires," which we will watch during our trip to the museum.
Located in the scenic Lehigh Gorge of Carbon County, Jim Thorpe is one of the hidden treasures of the Poconos. Established in 1818 and originally named Mauch Chunk, Jim Thorpe (meaning "Bright Path") is now named after the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal for the United States. The town features elegant Victorian mansions that once belonged to industrial magnates like Asa Packard; today, these homes host a variety of unique shops, dining options, bed & breakfasts, and museums.
Lunch will take place at the Molly Maguire Irish Pub, where you can select items from the menu and pay with separate checks (please note that this restaurant does not accept reservations but should be able to accommodate our group). If you prefer, you can dine elsewhere in Jim Thorpe, explore the shops, or visit the Old Jail Museum.
The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum first opened its doors in 1855 and continued operations until 1972, making it the longest-running Anthracite coal mine in the world. Established in 1992, the Panther Creek Valley Foundation now operates the mine as a museum, offering tours that take you 1,600 feet into the mountain before embarking on a 600-foot guided exploration. Inside the original “Wash Shanty” of No. 9 Mine, built before World War I, lies the largest collection of mining artifacts in the area, featuring household goods, blasting equipment, and mining tools.
We will also make a stop at Leiby’s Ice Cream for a delightful treat on your own!
The bus will leave from the Shillington Shopping Center (530 E. Lancaster Avenue), located BEHIND the area where you get your Driver’s License photo taken, at 8:03 AM, and will return at approximately 6:57 PM. Our transportation provider is Elite Coach. Please note that the trip price does not include a tip for the bus driver.
To reserve your seat, please visit: https://berkshistory.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events#/events/10723
For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Vicky Heffner, Education Curator, at [email protected], or call the BHC at (610) 375-4375 or her cell at (610) 413-5543.