About No. 9 Mine & Museum
The No. 9 Coal Mine, nestled in the Panther Valley, holds a
significant place in history as the longest continuously
operated deep Anthracite coal mine in the world.
Established in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation
Company, the mine was strategically developed to access
the rich Mammoth Vein of Anthracite coal. Unlike the earlier
mines in nearby Summit Hill, which struggled with
increasing groundwater levels, the No. 9 Mine was driven at
a lower elevation, allowing groundwater to naturally drain
from the mine portal without the need for pumps. By 1857,
the mine had reached its first vein of coal, and by the
following year, it was contracted to produce an impressive
90,000 tons of Anthracite coal annually.
The No. 9 Mine operated continuously from 1855 until June 22, 1972. After its closure, the mine remained
abandoned until 1992, when a dedicated group of locals, passionate about preserving the region’s coal
mining heritage, took control of the property. This non-profit organization, now known as the Panther
Creek Valley Foundation, has transformed the No. 9 Mine into a museum that honors the legacy of the coal
miners who worked there. Restoration of the mine began in 1995, and the first tours commenced in 2002.
Today, visitors can embark on an immersive journey into the past. The experience begins with a 1,600-foot
rail ride into the mountain, followed by a 600-foot guided walking tour. Along the way, visitors can explore
the original 700-foot deep mine shaft, walk the historic “mule-way,” where young men once guided mules
between different levels of the mine, and visit a miner’s hospital cut into solid rock.
Adjacent to the mine, the museum is housed in the original “Wash Shanty,” a structure that dates back to
before the First World War. The museum boasts the largest collection of mining artifacts in the area,
including tools, blasting equipment, household items, and more, all of which belonged to the miners who
once worked in the No. 9 Mine. The museum also features a gift shop offering unique items such as books,
coal crafts, and t-shirts, ensuring visitors leave with a memorable keepsake.
The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum is open to the public from the beginning of April until the end of
November, with hours of operation from 10 AM to 4 PM. The first mine tour departs at 11 AM, and the last
tour begins at 3 PM. The site is open Friday through Sunday in April and November, and Wednesday
through Sunday from May through October. Group discounts are available for parties of 20 or more, as well
as discounts for seniors (65+), AAA members, and veterans. The mine’s temperature remains a cool 50
degrees year-round, so visitors are encouraged to bring a light jacket for comfort during the tour.
Join us at the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum to step back in time and experience the rich history of
Anthracite coal mining in the Panther Valley.
OUR MISSION
Mission Statement
The No. 9 Mine, once abandoned, was revived
in 1992 by the Panther Creek Valley
Foundation, a dedicated non-profit committed
to preserving the region’s coal mining heritage.
Restoration began in 1995, and by 2002, the
mine reopened as a museum, offering a
unique glimpse into the past and celebrating
the legacy of the area’s miners.
Who We Are and What We Do
The Panther Creek Valley Foundation, Inc., D.B.A. No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum, is a 501C3 charitable, Pennsylvania
non-profit organization dedicated to:
1.Preserving and interpreting the rich heritage and culture of the Anthracite Coal Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
2.Preserving the Coaldale No. 9 Mine site for future generations.
3.Operating an enjoyable and informative underground coal mine tour that gives visitors an appreciation for, and an
understanding of, Anthracite coal miner’s influence on the social, economic, and labor history of the United States.
4.Operating a coal mining museum which maintains a collection of books, documents, maps, photographs, tools, and
other artifacts related to Anthracite coal mining and to make these materials available for research purposes.
This immersive experience offers a fascinating
glimpse into the life and work of the miners who
once toiled in these tunnels.