What's happening at Quecreek Mine Rescue
Yes, we are open!
We opened on Friday May 15, 2020. Last week I told the story safely to a small group from Ohio who were returning home from a Lancaster visit. I am very encouraged knowing people are beginning to travel again.
Now in the Green Phase, we don’t want anyone to feel nervous or uncomfortable while visiting the museum. Wearing a mask is your option. We are disinfecting between groups and we will gladly wear our mask if it makes you more comfortable. I am behind a small plastic shield when telling you the story upstairs and while checking you in and out.
Yearly Report
Last year approximately 7000 guests visited the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site. On July 27th, (the 17th anniversary) we were standing room only. In addition to the walk in guests; there were over 110 coaches. They enjoyed coffee, cookies and heard the story. For those who just walk in, we have a video of Bill Arnold telling the story as he experienced it first- hand. Vicky is usually here to tell the story live if that is preferred.
The Miracle
Have you seen Bill’s newest book? The Miracle at the Quecreek Mine, written by Bill Arnold. It was chosen and judged by the Independent Book Publishers Association. In April 2019 it won the Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in the audiobook category.
New Additions
As everyone knows Bill Arnold has been a faithful keeper of the Rescue Site since that first shovelful of ground was removed. His family donated the land and created the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation. It is a registered non-profit organization. Bill Arnold is the president/ director of the foundation, and still very involved. He takes time to speak with visitors between the morning and evening milking and is willing to share how this event changed his life. . (Yes, Bill is still a certified organic dairy farmer.) Bill also does public speaking. You can see when and where Bill is scheduled to speak on our website. If you are in need of a good speaker, you can book him through the website, BillArnoldspeaks.com.
I became involved when Bill asked for volunteers at a small group we were both attending. After my husband and I heard Bill tell the story, we decided it would be a good place for me to help out. I started in August 2015 doing small chores and occasionally telling a brief story to the walk in visitors. I enjoy talking about the coal miners and explaining how they fought for their lives. The miners survived in spite of millions and millions of gallons of water. This story of selflessness and unity is something everyone needs to hear during this trying time.
Now at the foundation we also have Darlene, Greg, Dave and Jennifer. So when Bill is facing a farming emergency, there are others who can step in.
Darlene is usually at the counter. She knows some about coal mining, as her husband mined for several years. Darlene’s job at the foundation is to greet the guest at the door and get them interested. She helps us get ready for the tour groups and when we go out to say good bye, she does a visual sweep around the museum, looking for anything out of place. Many a folk have been thankful for her quick thinking and ability to catch them before they pull away. She has found numerous items left behind by the guest. She is a much better homemaker than me and gets complements on the cleanliness of the bathrooms. Darlene does so much here! When the buses are late, she is busy letting us know. For early arrivals, she is rushing downstairs to put out refreshments. When she isn’t here she is greatly missed.
We have a new volunteer, Greg Turner, who started in the fall of 2019. He just stepped in the door one day and answered questions following the presentation. At the time of the Quecreek mine entrapment, he was a federal mine inspector with the Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) and was a member of the mine emergency unit. As such he was assigned to participate in the rescue operations at Quecreek. So when he is here his knowledge of the event is appreciated. Given his experience, he is well qualified to answer questions not only about the rescue or why the entrapment occurred but also respond to general mining questions. Even though Greg is retired from MSHA, he continues to provide safety services to the industry.
Dave is the outside guy working behind the scenes. He comes early in the morning to cut the weeds and trim the bushes. He fixes the fence and tidies up the bricks. Everyone needs a Dave.
Jennifer is also a very valuable volunteer. She does whatever Bill needs, from running errands to milking the cows. Jenn does it all, except tell the story. She works with the computer and helps with the bookkeeping. Whatever the task, Jenn is ready to help.
Many others have helped throughout the year. Several friends have given their time, equipment, muscles, ideas, and finances. We are very thankful for each and every one of you. We would not exist without your help. Together we are keeping the story alive.
Moving Forward
For easier access to the site, the driveway and parking lot have been paved. The cost has been paid for by a very generous donor. Plus the news van has been moved outside to give us more seating in the auditorium. Upstairs, along with the new exhibits, we have added an in/out board, a slideshow and a mining transit. We just completed a $110 K grant project to enhance your visiting experience.
18th Anniversary
In July will be celebrating the 18th anniversary. The museum will be open with free admission that Saturday, the 25th. We will also be having our yearly fund drive, the clay shoot. This event began in 2015 and is getting more popular each year. It will be July 18 at Buffer Creek. To register and get on a team call the QMRF.
New Displays
Last fall we added some new exhibits highlighting historical mining equipment. If you haven’t visited lately, the new displays alone are worth the visit.
