July 2025 Newsletter
Summer events, a fresh face, and an invitation to get involved at your favorite historic mining town.
We’re still drying out after a soggy June and are looking forward to sunny days ahead—just in time for a spate of exciting, new programs and events!
Patchtown Days Recap
Despite relentless rain, more than 20 vendors and 400 visitors bundled up and turned out for Patchtown Days on June 14th & 15th. This year’s festival saw the return of old favorites like the 143rd Volunteer Infantry’s Civil War encampment, alongside new attractions like broom-making workshops; a second, acoustic stage for live music and ethnic dance; and a performance of playwright K.K. Gordon’s For the Least of Them by the Eckley Players.
Thanks to everyone who showed up—especially our valued volunteers, whose generational knowledge, skills, and passion for anthracite heritage infuse every Eckley event.
A handful of Patchtown Days T-shirts are still available! This is a limited-run design, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Your purchase supports Eckley’s preservation and programming.
NEW EVENT: Hooch Wagon Brew Fest, July 12th
Our inaugural Hooch Wagon Brew Fest is around the corner. Visit us on July 12th from 4pm—8pm to enjoy local beers, wines, ciders, and meads; delicious sausages, pierogies, ice cream, and cookies from food vendors; live music; and a can’t-miss, historic beermaking demonstration from our friends at Pennsbury Manor.
General admission is $40/person and includes unlimited free samples and a souvenir tasting glass, while supplies last. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10. Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate, but we encourage you to preorder. That way, we’ll have plenty of supplies (beer) on hand.
Click the button below to get tickets, and help us spread the word by liking and sharing on Facebook.
Calling New Volunteers, July 12th @ 11am
Stop by the visitors center at 11am on July 12th to learn about volunteering opportunities at Eckley. It’s a family-friendly, rewarding way to connect with the past, serve your community, and become a steward of the region’s heritage.
There are lots of ways to contribute, no matter your knowledge or experience. We’re especially inviting those interested in acting, theater, and the arts to get involved as we revamp and grow our living history programs.
Meet Our Keystone Intern
We’re thrilled to have Antonio Ferraro with us this summer as a curatorial intern through PHMC’s Keystone Internship Program. Antonio is a rising senior at Misericordia University majoring in Public History and minoring in Theatre.
Antonio is working with our curator to catalogue, inventory, and clean artifacts, helping us maintain one of the most robust collections of items related to 19th- and 20th-century anthracite mining and patchtown life.
Events Calendar
July 12 — Hooch Wagon Brew Fest
September 6 — The Great Letterbox Hunt
September 17 — Homeschool Hangout