January 8, 2024 - In an expansion of its coal mining exhibit, the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum is collecting mining artifacts, photos, and stories about families involved in the coal mining industry in the Grove City area.

Coal mining began in the 1700s in Pennsylvania, and by the 1800s, it was fueling industries across the nation. Immigrants from across Europe, lured here by the promise of a better life, played a key role even though coal mining was not only demanding work but dangerous as well. However, once those same immigrants reached the mine fields, they were not always welcomed. This exhibit will feature their stories.

Anyone who would like to share their family’s coal mining story from 1850-1950 or donate artifacts and photos is encouraged to contact Sonni Zambino at Sonni.Zambino@yahoo.com or Pam Hummel at ghummel@zoominternet.net.

The Coal Mining Exhibit can be visited free of charge by the public when the museum, located at 111 College Ave., Grove City, reopens for its 2024 season in mid-April.