Education Outreach
Black Diamond Historical Society’s educational outreach program has reached many levels of people from young students to professional and retired people. The activities are varied and feature lectures, field trips, tours, in town activities as well as out of town lectures and field trips. We welcome the opportunities to tell our heritage stories. The topics are varied from how the town came to be - what was it like to live in a company owned town - what kind of train system transported the coal to market - and who purchased all of the coal that was mined. The tour of the old coal town site of Franklin is popular as well as the visit to its mine sites. These tours are done in late fall and late winter when the leaves are off the trees so old foundations can be seen.
Many groups come and take advantage of the many eateries in town and then tour the famous Black Diamond Train Depot Museum on Railroad Avenue in the historical section of Black Diamond. This building dates back to the early 1880's and has been restored and filled with donations of historical items that bring back memories to many a visitor. The caboose, on the tracks in front of the depot, is especially popular with the children and their parents.
School students enjoy field trips to the Black Diamond Cemetery and also seeing the open pit coal mine on the way to the town site of Franklin. There are still remains of coal mine concrete hoist foundations dating back to the 1880's in Franklin and Black Diamond. Black Diamond has some of the best samples of miner’s houses, stores, and other buildings from the early days when the town was a company owned coal-mining town.
Groups can book special tours of the museum with lectures if they wish, by calling 253-852-6763, or contact us at the museum at 360-886-2142 for more information.
Education Outreach Committee Chair Conrad "Coke" Roberts has visited many schools and organizations, usually dressed like a coal miner. His presentations are always a big hit.
Watch for news about his next appearance.