Congratulating No. 9 Mine Museum on Receipt of the Tourism and Entertainment Business of the Year

Floor Speech

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Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to congratulate and recognize the No. 9 Mine & Museum on being named the Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development's Tourism and Entertainment Business of the Year.

Pennsylvania has a long and robust history of coal mining. Our anthracite coal has heated homes across the county, fueled trains, and gave power to industries that helped build our nation. The No. 9 Mine and Museum helps preserve this rich mining heritage for us and future generations to enjoy and remember.

The No. 9 Mine was first opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company and was the epicenter of mining operations in the Panther Valley. In operation for over a century, from 1855 to 1972, the No. 9 Mine is the world's oldest continuously operated anthracite coal mine.

Today, the mine is a museum and serves as an important reminder of our community's roots and of the resilience and determination of the many mineworkers who came before us.

The No. 9 Mine became a museum when the Panther Creek Valley Foundation took ownership of the property in the 1990's. Through their restoration efforts, the group created a unique, historical attraction, appealing to both locals and tourists alike.

On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the No. 9 Mine and Museum on this great honor and thank them for their commitment to preserving the history of our community.

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