These local museums are tremendously important as public history venues because their scripts (materials, organization) are the vision of the people most directly connected with them, rather than museum professionals. They are furthermore important because their collections of mining paraphernalia demonstrate the importance that these objects had to the miners who had used them. The collections speak to the strong identity, pride and solidarity of miners as miners. However, there is one worrisome issue: staffing. These museums are a tremendous asset to their towns, yet as volunteer entities not all of them are open on a regular schedule.  

Please use these links or the pull-down menus to access information about the museums. 

COALFIELD REST AREA: excellent didactic panels on the I-55 highway

COFFEEN: a vast collection in need of a museum

GILLESPIE: Illinois Coal Museum

MT. OLIVE: Mother Jones Museum  

MOWEAQUA: Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum

PANA: Pana History Museum

TAYLORVILLE: Christian County Coal Museum