The Breaker Book Club: A Novel Museum Experience
The Breaker Book Club: A Novel Museum Experience
Join us for the launch of the members-only Breaker Book Club for Eckley Miners’ Union, a unique literary circle designed exclusively for our community to explore compelling history and storytelling together in the coal patch.
Session 1: Kick-Off and Social Hour | Thursday, November 12, 2026, 6pm-8pm, Eckley Mining Village, Visitor Center
Pick up your copy of the book (pre-purchase from our gift shop with your 10% off member discount!), receive your reading guide, and enjoy light refreshments as we provide an introduction to the book. We will also host a create workshop where you can make your own personalized bookmark.
Independent Reading
Dive into the pages on your own over the winter. Use our reading guide to pace yourself comfortably at home (or create sub-book clubs with other members and read along together!) while reflecting on the book’s themes. Take notes and consider the reading questions we will be asking during the final session.
Session 2: Official Book Club Meeting & Reception | Thursday, February 4, 2027, 5:30pm-8:00pm, Eckley Miners' Village Visitor Center
We will reunite in the new year for a lively, guided conversation with museum staff about the book’s core themes and how we can broaden our understanding of life at Eckley. The evening concludes with a celebratory reception to share final thoughts and connect with fellow readers and staff.
Registration & Guest Policy
The Breaker Book Club is a special benefit for Eckley Miners’ Union Members, however, each member is warmly invited to bring one non-member guest to participate. Members can pre-purchase their copy of the book from the museum gift shop using their 10% off discount for themselves and guests. (Pre-orders will go live on our website shortly.) Books will be distributed at the November 12th session.
The Book
Four couples—Stefan and Anna, Cyril and Adriana, Jan and Katarina, and Emil and Edita—fled their European homes, desperate to escape the poverty, war and tyranny of kings and emperors. Seeking a better life, they embarked for America, relocating to coal towns in eastern Pennsylvania. But in these company-owned towns, dreams faded. They lived in squalor, faced discrimination and endured danger in the mines. In the summer of 1897, unrest erupted among miners in the coal towns and spread to their villages.
Spaces are limited. Pre-registration is FREE, but required. Sign up today!
Members can purchase the book for a discount through our museum store. Pre-orders will be available soon.
To register for the book club (required) - use the form below:
