A few photos of the atmosphere
The Alabama Mining Museum offers a fascinating look into the state’s mining history. Located at 120 East St, Dora, AL 35062, US, the museum serves as a reminder of the hard work, determination and ingenuity culture of hardworking Alabamians who have been mine operators for generations.
The museum itself was first established in 1987, and is housed in a building that was originally constructed in 1880 as a general store. It was converted into the museum with the help of the Alabama Coal Association and the State Department of Environmental Management. Today, it houses over 1,500 artifacts from the different eras of Alabama’s coal mining history.
Inside, visitors can experience life as it was for miners over a hundred years ago. There are exhibits featuring authentic equipment used by miners, such as picks, shovels and dynamite boxes. You can also explore the museum’s library, which boasts over two hundred historical books, documents and photographs. The museum also houses a replica coal mine built to give visitors a firsthand look at what working conditions must have been like for Alabama miners.
To really appreciate the impact of coal mining upon the region’s economy, visitors should be sure to check out the collection of company records, photographs and documents. These materials provide a vivid glimpse into the lives of miners during different times in history and help paint a picture of what it must have been like to work in the industry before modern health and safety regulations existed.
The museum is open from Thursday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM and on selected Sunday’s from 1 PM to 5 PM. Admission is free for children under age six and only five dollars for adults. Special group tours are also available for schools and other similar organizations for only seven dollars per person. Or if you're feeling creative, you could take part in one of the museum's workshops and learn how to build your own model mining equipment!
When you’re done learning about mining’s rich past and present at the Alabama Mining Museum, be sure to take a stroll around downtown Dora to get a better sense of the city's colorful past. From its bustling train station to its impressive monuments and parks, Dora has something special to offer everyone who visits—so don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Visit the Alabama Mining Museum today to explore a piece of Alabama's history that's been buried underground for generations.