Miners Hall Museum Foundation

Mission

Dedicated to preserving and sharing Southeast Kansas coal mining history and its diverse immigrant culture.

Profile

Many local families have deep roots in mining, and we are committed to helping younger generations understand the values of hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships, the museum fosters a strong sense of heritage, family, and community spirit for visitors of all ages.

The museum is located on the site of the former Franklin Union Hall. This site is where the nationally known Amazon Army of 3,000 to 6,000 immigrant women began their march in December 1921.  They marched to improve working conditions in the coal mines. From MHM Trustee, Linda Knoll’s Army of Amazons, “The women considered their cause one of conserving democratic values rather than one of revolt. This spirited chapter linked men and women together in one of the most dynamic pages in the history of American labor.”

Our museum complex also includes Franklin Community Park, featuring a walking path, bocce court, playground, and pavilion. The historic Franklin Sidewalk—listed on the National and State Historic Registers—sits adjacent to our site, along with two notable routes: the Jefferson Highway and the Frontier Military Scenic Byway.

We also own and manage Dragline Park, which will showcase the largest walking dragline preserved for public display in the United States—one of only two of its kind. This extraordinary exhibit will serve as a major regional attraction and is expected to significantly boost tourism throughout Southeast Kansas.