The Seldom Seen Tourist Coal Mine is looking for volunteers and donations so they can stay open and keep the mine’s history alive.

Although thousands of people visit the mine each year, workers said they only break-even with the costs of running and maintaining the tourist attraction.

The soft coal mine opened in the 1930s. The coal was used to make steel. In the 1960s, the mine closed and was converted into a tourist coal mine with the help of state representatives at the time.

There were about 70 miners working when the coal mine was operational. Now, there are only four people running the tourist attraction.

They need volunteers and money to help with repairs and maintenance on the roof of the mine and the equipment. 

“It’s kind of a neat little piece of history here. Probably once it’s gone, you’ll never be able to replicate it again. I hope somebody steps forward that gets interested in our coal mining history and would help us out,” said Gary Haluska, the only remaining board member for the tourist coal mine, which is a non-profit organization.

If you would like to learn more about the Seldom Seen Tourist Coal Mine or how to help, visit their website.