Schuylkill County is rich in coal mining heritage.

So it's only fitting that the two biggest stories in the history of the county are centered on mining.One is the story of the legendary Molly Maguires, the secret band of immigrant coal miners.The other, of course, is the Sheppton Mine Disaster.On Saturday, a state historical marker was erected on Schoolhouse Road in East Union Township.It marks the August 1963 cave-in that buried three miners 320 feet below ground.Miraculously, two were rescued.But the third miner, Louis Bova, couldn't be located. His body remains entombed at the site.The sensational, 14-day saga attracted media coverage from around the globe and was perhaps the first story of its kind to be broadcast on live television. It is and was, by far, the single most high-profile story to come out of Schuylkill County, galvanizing the attention of the world.The disaster story is an amazing tale of triumph of the human spirit and the boundaries of physical endurance of the common man. It deserves all of the recognition it gets.The bore hole technique developed in the rescue operation has since been imitated at other disaster sites.Of course, the Sheppton disaster took place in 1963 and the marker was approved in 2015. Many have asked: "What took so long?"Carol Zielinski, niece of rescued miner David Fellin, has an answer."The timing is perfect," she said Saturday. "This shows what a community can do when everyone pulls together."Truth is, the 52 years since the Sheppton Mine Disaster might not be considered a lengthy time frame in the scheme of things.After all, state historical markers commemorating the Molly Maguires executions were placed in Pottsville and Jim Thorpe as recently as 2006, or 129 years after the actual event.Application for historical distinction can be a tedious process and very selective."We get 200 applications a year," said William Lewis of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission."Less than 20 get approved."The Sheppton event made the cut and now has been declared a perpetual part of history.The event drew substantial turnout and participation, including lost miner Bova's son John and his wife, Bonnie; rescuer J. Ronnie Sando; state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124; American Legion Post 616; U.S. Marine Corps Detachment 428, Anthracite Chapter; Dale Freudenberger of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Area; and members of the Greater Hazleton Historical Society and Museum.The Sheppton Mine Disaster is now an official part of a fascinating, enduring story of man's challenge to harness the energy of coal in the growth of America.The fact that it took 52 years isn't as significant as the importance of it finally being accomplished and the message it projects into the future.On Saturday at 10 a.m., the incredible story gained the recognition it deserved. Some say it's long overdue.In reality, better late than never.By Donald R. Serfass |

dserfass@tnonline.com