Harnessing facts and faces behind significant accomplishments that shape how we live today, serves as a means of both honoring and engraving memories of people from our past. As organizations across the Commonwealth commemorate the founding of Pennsylvania, Eckley Miners’ Village recognizes anthracite mining heritage with an open invitation to join a Charter Day celebration March 13.
Considering the Weatherly site’s event an ideal opportunity to, “Showcase [how important] culture is to the region,” Eckley Historic Site Administrator Dr. Bode Morin applauds local performers and professionals influential in telling Eckley’s tale, confident igniting curiosity will serve as a catalyst to everlasting homage.
Eternally embracing the regional impact of the “Rise of the labor movement,” as it echoed nationwide, filmmaker Greg Matkosky, WVIA Creative Director for Documentary Films, will present his Emmy nominated piece, “Stories from the Mines.”
Describing noteworthy components embedded within the 90 minute production, the NEPA native comments, “I felt like I had to do this,” explaining the ability to unveil “Huge contributions” families made as a gratifying experience.
He notes the creative collaboration conceived over 20 years ago with Thom Currá, now WVIA CEO, involved deep historical research marked by an intricate mix of academic scholars and “People who lived the history” each bringing compelling structure. From researchers articulating context that entwined the significance of anthracite coal’s role in the Industrial Revolution, “Connecting local and regional history to American history”; to sons and daughters inviting a compelling journey through the lives they knew with photos and touching memories. Footage shot at Eckley featuring the Eckley Players, lends a clever tone creating a sense of realism to the former mining village.
While Sunday’s Charter Day runs noon to 5 p.m., a steadfast commitment to sharing the influence people and industry have cast upon the region remains with additional Eckley events on the horizon. Watch as details on June’s Patch Town’s Slavic Days arise, with the ever popular 1940’s Weekend planned for August.
Eckley Miners’ Village 2 Eckley Back Road, Weatherly, PA 18255
For more Charter Day details visit eckleyminersvillage.com
Call 570.636.2070
Special thanks to WVIA’s Greg Matkosky for sharing these gripping images…
