Skip to main content

Lafayette Miners Museum

Lafayette Miners Museum

In December of 1913, coal miner William E. Lewis and his family purchased the home. from Oscar Padfield (Padfield's father had owned the Gladstone Mine). The Lewis Home served as a meeting place for miners during a lengthy strike which lasted until 1915. During that turbulent period, frequent gun fire would often force the Lewis family to sleep in a nearby cellar for safety.

The museum contains a wealth of information concerning Lafayette history, from the early days of its pioneer heritage, through the coal mining years and into the present. Visitors will view a broad collection of artifacts which includes a kitchen full of unusual household items used by Lafayette's founding families, plus a tremendous collection of mining tools and related equipment.

Enjoy our work? Help us keep going.

Now in its 75th year, American Heritage relies on contributions from readers like you to survive. You can support this magazine of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today.

Donate