Miners Hall Museum Foundation

Our Mission

Dedicated to preserving and sharing Southeast Kansas coal mining history and its diverse immigrant culture. Miners Hall Museum seeks to tell the story of the importance of coal mining in Southeast Kansas. It was formed to preserve and present authentic materials and artifacts that document the history of coal mining and its impact on Southeast Kansas, as well as to be a vital partner in the educational and cultural life of this area through its collections and programs. This includes the story of the immigrants who came from the Little Balkan countries and beyond. A huge section of our population has a tie to the mining industry and we want our young people to understand the importance of their hard work, dedication and desire to acquire a better life for their families. The museum strengthens the spirit and sense of family and community for all of Southeast Kansas while providing educational experiences for all ages, from youth to senior citizens.

• Museum exhibits are laid out to tell the story of a miner’s life from immigration through work, social life, home life, education and much more. ancestry & heritage, camp town histories, rare photographs, information on local strikes & labor reform, significant men & women of the twentieth century, the Amazon Army and the story of Bootlegging in SE Kansas. These are just a few of the histories/artifacts one can encounter here at MHM. • The museum includes a library which contains significant information and photos of early coal camps, coal companies and coal miners. • The museum hosts a special quarterly exhibit and programs related to area coal camps, immigrants, miners and their lives. • A visitor can view “Coal Camp” – reproduction of a coal mining camp which includes a true miner’s house. • Learn how the Tornado of 2003 inspired all of SE Kansas and the entire country.* • Learn how noted actor/director Paul Newman supported, inspired and encouraged the community. (He made a sizeable donation to our fund. This donation helped purchase and place a much needed storm siren in the community. Prior to the tornado there was none. This will ensure the safety of our residents in the future. A photocopy of his check and the story is on display at the museum.) • Learn how Joan Hornig, well known New York jewelry designer, leant a helping hand to Franklin, Kansas. Her jewelry sparkles in display cases at high-end retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. (She designed a bracelet and necklace to be auctioned at our Centennial Celebration. She donated the bracelet and 18 necklaces which are proudly worn by area women who were able to place the high bid at auction.) • Learn about the Smithsonian Exhibit which was on display that attracted over 5,000 visitors in a six week period and hundreds of volunteers made that happen. *** • We encourage visitors to explore in depth what MHM has to offer. • Guided tours can be scheduled for family groups, organizations or schools. Educational programs offered and the opportunity to visit with local historians are also available at Miners Hall Museum. • As an added attraction, original artwork and murals are on display in the museum as well as on the grounds. Several pieces of artwork from the SEK Artfest have been donated and are on display. • The center & museum was built shortly after the devastating tornado of 2003 which destroyed much of the community including the former Franklin Community Hall. • While visiting the museum you can also visit the Franklin Community Park and Memorial Garden. Many historic artifacts are incorporated into the design of the park. • The park is built at the site of the former Franklin Community Center. • The Franklin Community Park & Memorial Garden runs adjacent to the Franklin Sidewalk which is listed on the National and State Historic register.