“A Coal Town Experience” , is an engaging permanent exhibit where you’ll discover
what life was like in Frontenac, a Southeast Kansas coal town.
You will set off at the Santa Fe Depot where you will learn about our immigrant heritage, and their journey to America in search for a better life. These families were immigrants from many European nations who had brought their mining skills along with them. Called the “Little Balkans”, our region was home to French, Italian, Swedish, Austrian, German, British, and other Eastern European Immigrants.
You will travel into the world of deep shaft coal mining and learn about the dangerous working conditions of the mines, which led to Frontenac being the home of the worst coal mining disaster in Kansas History. The Southeast Kansas coal field was home to nearly 300 coal mines. This is where the Amazon Army and so many others raised their voices and joined the struggle of workers across the nation, eventually leading to labor reforms.
As you navigate our coal town, you will take in information on businesses, early education, religion, bootlegging, culture, customs, and traditions all of which play into our colorful past. Many of these stories are told through interviews on display throughout the exhibit, told by Frontenac residents, both past and present.
Come enjoy and celebrate the rich coal mining and immigrant heritage of Southeast Kansas!
East Side Rendering of Heritage Hall
North Side Rendering of Heritage Hall
South Side Rendering of the Coal Mining Room
The Coal Mining Room will contain a Children’s mine tunnel!!
To donate, please contact Library Director Seth Nutt at City Hall, 620-231-9210
A display dedicated to the Santa Fe Railroad in Southeast Kansas and their involvement with the coal mining industry. The rail lines also provided the main method of transportation for Frontenac citizens.
A display focused on telling the story of the journey that so many made from Europe to America, providing information on travel conditions and the Ellis Island experience while on their way to Southeast Kansas.
A display dedicated to the impact of coal mining in Southeast Kansas and information about how coal miners lived. A special focus is given to the Frontenac Coal Mine Explosion of 1888.
A display dedicated to showing the importance of Frontenac’s ethnic lodges and the role they played for miners and immigrants arriving in Frontenac.
A display dedicated to showing the impact of bootlegging in Frontenac and Southeast Kansas with it serving as the second largest economy behind coal production.
A display telling the story of Frontenac and it’s beginning including those individuals who played an important part of it’s founding.
A display showcasing Frontenac business and industry that pays tribute to those business’s that are still in operation today.
A display dedicated to telling the story of the Frontenac School System and how our school was used to “Americanize” early citizens. In 1910, twenty-one nationalities were present within Frontenac, highlighting the challenges facing this newly created school district.
A display dedicated to telling the history of the two churches in Frontenac and the role they played in the lives of early immigrant families.
A display dedicated to showcasing our towns popular recreation and athletics throughout our history.
A display dedicated to highlighting Frontenac’s culture and traditions , from bootlegging, pasta making, to Polka music!
A display dedicated to telling the story of the women who marched in the Amazon Army fighting for workers rights throughout the coal fields of Southeast Kansas.
