The board of directors of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Historical Society extend an invitation to local residents and former Broad Toppers to stop by the coal miners museum in Robertsdale to learn about the ongoing museum expansion project.

In answer to numerous inquiries, the board of directors want to make it perfectly clear that the new miners museum complex will utilize both the current Reality Theatre for fundraising activities and a research library/office while the former Robertsdale Methodist Church will serve as the new museum and gift shop. A tentative grand-opening is set for April of 2008, reports Ron Morgan, board president.

This spring and summer has seen extensive activities at the Robertsdale-based historical society where workers have been busy renovating the former Robertsdale United Methodist Church for use as a museum annex. Many of the summer weekends have also been devoted to preparation of materials for the new exhibits that will be transferred to the former church this winter.

While the historical society is hoping to reopen the new museum complex sometime next spring there are still several tasks that must be completed before a final relocation is performed. The museum will close to the public on Nov. 1, with plans to relocate all of the existing exhibits into the church so that the Reality Theatre can be used for various fundraising activities, including monthly country and variety shows. The theatre will continue to be used as a research library and society office and headquarters.

Although the society remains optimistic about completing all of the renovation work by December, monies to pay for building materials is dwindling. Throughout 2007, all of the labor for the various renovation projects has come in the form of volunteer labor and the involvement of several other organizations including Operation Outward Reach Inc. and Pennsylvania CareerLink.

Nearing completion is the rewiring and the installation of new lights and electrical outlets at the old church. The project and the already completed basement stabilization work are being required under new state Building Code regulations. That work should be finished by the end of August.

Other projects that must be finished before winter are, painting of the exterior of the church, excavation of ground surrounding the church for use as a small parking lot, some interior work, laying of carpeting in several rooms of the church and the installation of a new heating system (if necessary, temporary heating will be used until the winter of 2008-09 when money may be available to install a new heating system).

If the necessary interior and exterior projects are satisfactory completed by this winter work will proceed with the preparation of new exhibits in the church. The two, upper stories will be used for exhibits and other interpretive displays while the basement will house mining equipment and the “Company Store,” where museum tickets and gift items can be purchased. A replica coal mine is also planned in the basement, but that work may not be completed in time for a Spring-2008 grand opening.

The important thing is getting the church renovations completed, a heating system installed and the old exhibits removed from the theatre so that the society can hold fundraising activities in the theatre. Because funds are very limited, it is important to generate additional money not only to complete the project but to maintain the museum complex.

Other tasks facing the museum board of directors is the development of a new marketing plan that will include a new brochure and advertising with the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and other travel promotion organizations. The goal of the museum is to attract more group tours.

Want to help the museum? Here’s what you can do: Join the society, or sign up some friends, place a name on the Coal Miners Memorial Plaque, support the museum by attending the upcoming fundraising activities and make a donation to the museum expansion project. Remember, the historical society is a 501-c-3 tax exempt organization meaning that your donations are tax deductable.

Other museum activities and projects call for:

Expansion of the research library to include a miner memorial album that will contain photos and important information about miners who worked in the Broad Top area mines.

A special exhibit and album that will contain information about Broad Top area mine accidents and fatalities.

Planning for country music shows that will start in December and continue on a monthly basis, year around. (Other fundraising activities are also planned, check the newspapers for details!)

Involvement in a number of promotional efforts, working closely with the Huntingdon County Historical Society and county heritage committee and county visitors bureau.

The society is being supported in its efforts by the “Coal Miners Daughters,” headed up by President Fay Bolinger. Members of the ladies auxiliary to the coal miners museum are also seeking new members and help with their activities. Contact Fay at 814-448-3532.

And finally, it was reported that a number of society members and other community activists have been volunteering their time and talents with the ongoing museum annex restoration. These volunteers, headed up by well known Broad Top area electrician Alfred Putt, Saxton, will be recognized for their efforts in a later news article and at an upcoming recognition event.

Please support the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Historical Society by stopping by the Reality Theatre on weekends. The museum schedule is: Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. We’re also open for group tours by special appointment. For more information, phone the museum on weekends at 814-635-3807.

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