Coal Mining Heritage Project

On December 24, 1932, methane gas exploded in a coal mine in Moweaqua, Illinois, killing 54 miners.

It was a defining moment in the social, economic and emotional stability of a community, and the memory of it was at risk of disappearing forever. The generational memory of the event and the supporting physical evidence were at risk of disappearing forever with those who experienced the tragedy.

Using oral history and videotaped interviews, along with locally owned historic documents, photographs, and artifacts, a project created by school librarian Ruth Shasteen has helped ensure the small town’s cultural memory.

Mining More in Moweaqua explored how this single explosion represented a microcosm of coal mining history, in Illinois and elsewhere.  Shasteen brought together the local schools, public library, historical society and the Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum to preserve community and family history and to make it available to a worldwide audience.  With funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, along with local funds and other resources, 21 high school students interviewed 10 Moweaqua elders about the explosion, bringing a unique opportunity for inter-generational exchange. One interviewer discovered a song about the disaster published by her aunt.

The collaboration saw the creation of the Mining More in Moweaqua website, a  permanent exhibit at the public library and a 4-DVD set including photos, interviews, and a 30-minute video of the culminating project celebration with the interviewees, their interviewers and their families.

A local PBS affiliate and other media outlets covered the project.  The public library, historical society and museum of this town of fewer than 2,000 residents are now on the map.

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