Mauch Chunk Museum
41 West Broadway
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
(570) 325-9190
mauchchunkmuseum.com

Places Nearby:
Eckley Miners Village
Jem Classic Car Museum
Martin Guitar Company
Whitefield House
Trexler-Lehigh Game Preserve
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
WK&S Railroad
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As of this writing, the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center is new -- in fact it is still growing, with some of the exhibits not quite finished. However there is plenty to enjoy and learn right now, as Mauch Chunk presents the fascinating history of industry in America and particularly in Pennsylvania's Anthracite Region.

The mining town of Mauch Chunk, now known as Jim Thorpe, is the repository for the body of the great Native American olympian. As well as the broad coverage the Museum gives to local history, it features an exhibit on Jim Thorpe and his life, including a collection of rare photographs.

Mauch Chunk is housed in the former St. Paul's Methodist Church, a beautiful red brick building constructed in 1843. A magnificent example of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture, the building features a high ornate ceiling.

Exhibits span the ages, focusing on

  • The prehistory of coal
  • Lenape Indians
  • Industrial Mauch Chunk, including
  • Mining
  • Canal Lock (a working model)
  • Railroads
  • Switchback Gravity Railroad (working model)
  • Local industries
  • The Golden Age
  • The history and restoration of St. Paul's, and much more.

All told, visitors will experience history in a most enjoyable way. As the Museum grows, an increasing number of special events, workshops and courses will be available to the general public. Contact the Museum for the latest releases. Right now the Museum will conduct a learning session for Groups of all kinds, including School Groups. The story of the Industrial Revolution will be covered focusing on the strong history of the Mauch Chunk area.Scheduled for completion in 1996, this Museum in the making is a wonderful place to visit right now. Perfect for a family or group outing.


Hours: Open daily, 11am - 5pm. Closed Tuesdays, Memorial Day thru December 31. Open weekends only, January thru Memorial Day. Call before visiting. Groups by appointment.
Admission:
Adults $5.00
Children under 8 $2.00
Groups:
Call for group rates.
Group Reservations: At least 3 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Nearby restaurants.
Handicapped Access: Not accessible.
Directions: Pennsylvania Tpke. N/E Ext. (Rt. 9) North to exit 34. Rt. 209 South through Leighton and into Jim Thorpe. Almost immediately upon entering town, turn left (west) onto Broadway and proceed to West Broadway and Museum. 90 minutes northwest of Philadelphia.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.