The Eckley Miners' Village Museum will celebrate the founding of Pennsylvania with movies highlighting one of the region's greatest contributions to the state - anthracite coal.
The program, called "Movies of the Anthracite," begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, with the museum opening at noon. Held in accordance with Charter Day, the museum and program are free to all visitors.
Bode Morin, site administrator, said the program will feature three movies from the collection of F. Charles Petrillo and Phil Mosley. The films feature above- and below-ground shots of the mining process, giving a full spectrum of the challenges faced by miners in the early 20th century.
According to a press release, the collection "provides a unique opportunity to glimpse back at the striking ⦠activities" in the region for almost 150 years.
Morin said the movies were chosen for the Charter Day program based on their vicinity to the area.
"They wanted to show more local region films," Morin said.
The three films scheduled to be shown are:
- "The Price of Carelessness," filmed at the Truedale Colliery in 1915
- "Buried Heat," filmed at the Jeddo Colliery in 1934
- A special film presentation with Jack Palance, a native of Hazle Township in the Lattimer Mines section, Palance was an Academy Award-winning actor. His film career spanned more than five decades and is best known for his award-winning performance in 1991's "City Slickers."
Morin said light refreshments will be available after the program.
The event is held in celebration of Charter Day, which this year honors the 333rd year since William Penn was granted title to land that would form the commonwealth.
On Charter Day, all Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission sites are open and free to the public.
Morin said this year's program follows last year's successful Charter Day activities at Eckley Miners' Village.
"Last year, we showed 'The Molly Maguires.' It was a big draw," he said.
Morin said last year's presentation was standing-room only, something he wants again on Sunday.
"I'm hoping for a good crowd because the films are interesting," he said.
Morin said the presentation is an indoor event so it will be held rain or shine. He also wanted to remind potential visitors that daylight-saving time begins Sunday, so remember to change your clocks.
Eckley Miners' Village, an anthracite coal mining patch town which now serves as a museum, is celebrating its 160th year.
For more information, call the village at 570-636-2070, visit www.eckleyminersvillagemuseum.com or the village's Facebook page. To learn more about Charter Day, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us.