Courtesy photo Displays are set in place at the Coalport Area COal Museum’s new location at 825 Main St.

The Coalport Area Coal Museum officially opened its 2026 season at its new home at 825 Main St. in downtown Coalport.

The building was constructed in 1900 and originally housed the Coalport Opera House on the third floor.

The move to the bottom offers fresh opportunities for the museum to fulfill its core mission: “To Enrich our Future by Preserving our Past.”

On Dec. 29, 2025, the coal museum’s extensive collection of memorabilia, artifacts, texts, photos, etc., and 20 display cases were successfully moved to the new facility — with the help of members, volunteers and eight Glendale High School students.

A core of museum workers worked diligently since early January preparing for the initial soft opening on Sunday, Feb. 15 — with a grand opening planned for the spring.

“Our coal museum provides an opportunity to enhance local tourism and attract patrons interested in bituminous coal mining and the region’s industrial heritage,” said Museum President William Morrison, noting his excitement for the museum to play an active role in many downtown activities.

Curator Richard W. Snyder II highlighted the benefits of the expanded layout, stating, “The spacious area and more tables available allow us to now provide even greater access to our extensive collection of local genealogy and community files.”

The transition has been bolstered by a very successful initial fundraising campaign via U.S. mail solicitations.

To date, nearly 50 donors have contributed more than $6,000 total since mid-December.

Morrison expressed deep gratitude for the community’s overwhelming generosity and noted that additional fundraising efforts are planned for the coming month — including direct marketing to area businesses, organizations and cultural heritage groups.

Museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays.

In other business, the board established a 2026 schedule that necessitates a search for additional volunteers to help expand operating hours.

It also voted to fully participate in the annual Coalport Street Fair set for June 20.

The board plans to assist the curator to write grant applications from up to three funding sources for new site-related projects.

To make a donation or to volunteer, contact the museum at: Coalport Area Coal Museum, P.O. Box 17, 825 Main St., Coalport, PA 16627; call/text 814-329-9598; or email coalportmuseum@gmail.org.