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Museum Summer Schedule
Mid May through August we will, for starters, be open 10:30 - 2:30 Saturdays (additional days/hours will be added as the volunteer schedule is set) The "OPEN" sign will be out on the days that we are in the building working on the displays. Also we will attempt to accommodate travelers and groups. Please text 833.228.8603, or email to schedule a visit. 121 S Macoupin St Gillespie, IL 62033
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Recently at the Museum
The Museum is very proud to welcome the Kenneth E. Donaldson VFW Post 4547. The use of our newly remodeled meeting room is but a small gesture of thanks to an organization that has given decades of service to the Coal Country communities.
Southern Illinois Coal Mine Subsidence:
Myths, Facts & Solutions click here for a nice article about the November presentation (this information also addresses our Macoupin County subsidence issues) 
The Macoupin County CEO students heard a brief account of project development, TIFs and Enterprize Zones, followed by a tour the museum.
We are proud to have hosted this fine group of future entrepreneurs. 
click logo to learn more
Southern Illinois Coal Mine Subsidence:
Myths, Facts & Solutions Free and Open to the Public Thursday, November 30th from 6:00‐8:00pm Presented at Collinsville Memorial Library Center 408 W. Main St., Collinsville, IL 62234 Moderator: Mr. Dave Tucker, Illinois Coal Museum at Gillespie Presentations by: Dr. Jerry Marino, P.E., D.GE, President, Marino Engineering Associates, Inc. Mr. Brent Guttmann, Office of Mines & Minerals, Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources Ms. Kathy Moran, Industry Relations/Consumer Education Manager, IL Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund Sponsored by the Illinois Coal Museum at Gillespie Special thanks to the Collinsville Memorial Library Center for use of space 
Many of the displays have been enhanced, with more to follow. We are very excited about the Coal Mine Subsidence Exhibit that is now under construction.
A 'Soft' Grand Opening
The museum board, volunteers, local miners and union members met with our U.S. and State elected officials and representatives from the coal industry, Route 66, economic growth professionals, historical society members, and more. What a showcase of our efforts to date and forum for our future!
IN THE NEWS
The Ben-Gil Post: a great write-up and photo display 
The Coal Country Times shares comments of August 31st Luncheon
Alabama travelers find some answers to Benld and Cherry Mine questions within our displays and research materials. Also, new today, a photo guestbook/retro-maps prototype awaiting museum and Route 66 logos.
Safe trip home ladies
Several displays have been upgraded - glass cabinets enhance and protect some of the more valuable artifacts.
 John Dodd, from Joy Global and Brian Page hard at work in the mine.
The Children's Coal Museum, with support from the Illinois Mining Institute and Joy Global Manufacturing, is undergoing major construction. The new look for the mine tunnel will include photos and stories of the older and the newest mining machines and also improvements in safety, lighting, and ventilation geared to the elementary school aged visitors.
After a 'mine' tour and earning a miner's helmet, videos of the mining machines in action will reinforce the experience. Brian Page & Dave Tucker visited a work site at an apartment complex in Fairview Heights to observe the drilling process prior to the grouting to stabilize the active subsidence. The core samples obtained by the drilling provide information about the geologic layers above and below the mined area as well as locating the pillars and voids left by the mining process. The voids are filled with a concrete like mixture to stabilize the mine and stop further subsidence.
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The Route 66 Blue Carpet Corridor Festival, June 10th., brought over 150 visitors to the museum. The Black Diamond Days Royalty and Dave Tucker tried out the photo-op.
click here to learn more about the Blue Carpet Festival |
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The Macoupin County CEO students and mentor, Pete Visintine toured the museum Tuesday, April 4th. A discussion of our project development , local and mining history, and perusing the displays generated many questions from the bright and attentive group.
click here to learn more about Macoupin County CEO program |
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The big shovel dug up 15 trivia teams to make the Gillespie Public Library fundraiser a great success. Thanks to the Library, Community support, and especially Steve Joyce, our restroom remodeling fund will be able to begin.