National Miners Day Celebrated

GRANTS, NM – The New Mexico Mining Museum at 100 Iron Avenue in Grants is celebrating National Miners Day on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 9 am to 5 pm. In honor of the special day, the museum is offering free refreshments and tours to everyone, especially miners and their loved ones.

Despite mining being a cornerstone of the United State’s economy for a very long time, it wasn’t until 2009 when Congress finally established National Miners Day. Soon after the national declaration, the State of New Mexico, City of Grants, and Village of Milan also approved similar declarations out of respect and acknowledgement of the sacrifices made for the benefit of the community, families, and national security interests.

Miners Day marks the anniversary of the worst mining accident in history on December 6, 1907 in Monogah, West Virginia. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 362 miners.

“Being that mining has been and is a big part of this community,” said Donald Jaramillo, executive director of the New Mexico Mining Museum and Chamber of Commerce in Grants, “it’s important to recognize and thank miners past, present, and future - for being a part in providing the energy, metals, minerals, and materials essential for our way of life.”

The Mining Museum’s mission is to preserve the rich historical legacy of mining and promote its significant mining heritage by educating the public. The Mining Museum opened in 1986.

“The simplest way to celebrate National Miners Day is just to take a look around you and realize how many of your life's comforts are dependent on the minerals mined in our country,” said Cotton Jarrell, president of the Mining Museum which is a non-profit organization. “That fancy phone you have, the luxury automobile, even the pots and pans you cook on, all thanks to the efforts of these women and men.”

The Mining Museum has collected nearly 3,000 names in its Miners’ Honorary Registry. It recognizes past and present miners from the 1940s fluorspar to uranium, perlite and the current coal industry. Names can be added by completing a form. All former mining workers are encouraged to sign up at the Museum.

Added to the event last year was the opportunity for loved ones to write the name of a miner on a luminaria which was ultimately lit on Christmas Eve. “The idea of luminarias with a miners name was such a great success last year that we are continuing it this year and hopefully many years to come,” Jarrell explained. “It makes for a wonderful photo opportunity.” Anyone is welcome to stop by the New Mexico Mining Museum at 100 Iron Avenue in Grants on Dec. 6 or prior to Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, and write their miner’s name on a bag. You can also call the Mining Museum at 505-2874802 and staff will write the name on a bag for you.

Also, again this year the Mining Museum will be placing crosses at the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and Iron Street to honor local miners who have passed away this year. “Please come by the Mining Museum by Dec. 6 and make sure your loved one or friend who passed is honored,” Jarrell emphasized.

For additional information, call 505-2874802.

New Mexico Mining Museum File Photo