moweaqua coal mine museum

On Christmas Eve 1932, fifty-four miners entered the Moweaqua coal mine. A few minutes later they were all killed by a methane explosion. The loss of the miners and subsequent improvements in American mine safety are memorialized by the Moweaqua Coal Mine Museum. The museum features a fascinating collection of letters, period coal mining tools and paraphernalia. I found a 1903 pay envelope where a man received only six cents for a week of dirty, dangerous work particularly moving. Organized in 1986 as a labor of love by four decedents of the disaster victims, the museum is currently open Saturdays and Sundays between 1 PM and 4 PM. Other hours are available by appointment calling 217-768-3019. Donations are graciously accepted.